Electromagnetic radiation targeting devices, assemblies, systems and methods

ABSTRACT

The present application is directed to devices, assemblies, systems and methods for targeting one or more sites with electromagnetic radiation. The devices, assemblies and systems are operationally configured to transform and convey electromagnetic radiation to one or more targeted sites. The devices, assemblies and systems may also convey one or more fluids or fluid solutions to the one or more targeted sites.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/174,855 filed on Feb. 7, 2014, which is entitled to thebenefit of the filing date of the prior-filed U.S. provisionalapplications No. 61/761,702, filed on Feb. 7, 2013, No. 61/785,817,filed on Mar. 14, 2013 and No. 61/800,455, filed on Mar. 15, 2013.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE APPLICATION

The application relates generally to the conveyance of electromagneticradiation to target sites such as superficial anatomical locations(“surface locations”), subsurface locations, and internal locations of asubject.

BACKGROUND

Waveguides such as optical fiber have been used to deliver lightradiation and light laser energy topically and subcutaneously. Opticalfiber, which is made of pure glass (or silica) is subject to breakage.Broken shards of optical fiber contacting an individual may cause injuryor result in other undesired consequences. In addition, bodily fluids orother chemicals and foreign substances may contaminate such waveguides.

The emanation of electromagnetic radiation to target sites withoutcontacting the sites or otherwise exposing such sites to breakablematerials like optical fiber is desired.

SUMMARY

The present application is directed to device for targeting one or moresites with electromagnetic radiation, the device having a housingoperationally configured to (1) receive electromagnetic radiationthrough a first inlet and fluid through a second inlet, (2) fluidly sealthe first inlet from the second inlet and (3) emit the electromagneticradiation and fluid through a first outlet of the housing.

The present application is also directed to an assembly for targetingelectromagnetic radiation at one or more sites including (1) a firstmember operationally configured to receive electromagnetic radiationtherein; (2) a second member attachable to the first member andoperationally configured to receive fluid therein; and (3) a thirdmember attachable to the second member, the third member having anoutlet operationally configured to emit electromagnetic radiationreceived by the first member and fluid received by the second member.

The present application is also directed to a system for targetingelectromagnetic radiation at one or more sites including (1) anelectromagnetic radiation source; (2) a fluid source; (3) a waveguide inradiant communication with the electromagnetic radiation source; and (4)an assembly including (A) a device having a first inlet for receivingelectromagnetic radiation from the waveguide, a second inlet forreceiving fluid from the fluid source and a first outlet for emittingelectromagnetic radiation and fluid received through the first andsecond inlets, the device being operationally configured to transformelectromagnetic radiation received through the first inlet and (B) ahollow member having an open proximal end releasably attachable to thefirst outlet and an open distal end operationally configured for theemission of electromagnetic radiation and fluid out of the hollowmember.

The present application is also directed to a method of targeting ananimal blood vessel with electromagnetic radiation including (1)providing an assembly including (A) a device having an inlet forreceiving electromagnetic radiation from an electromagnetic radiationsource, an inlet for receiving fluid from a fluid source and an outletfor emitting the electromagnetic radiation and fluid, the device beingoperationally configured to transform the electromagnetic radiationreceived therein and (B) a hollow puncture forming member attachable tothe outlet of the device; (2) connecting the device to anelectromagnetic radiation source and a fluid source; (3) directing anopen distal end of the hollow puncture forming member into the bloodvessel; and (4) conveying electromagnetic radiation and fluid to thedevice wherein the device transforms the electromagnetic radiationemitting transformed electromagnetic radiation and fluid out through thedistal end of the hollow puncture forming member into the blood vessel.The present application is also directed to a method of controlling thepropagation of electromagnetic radiation conveyed to one or more targetsites by (1) providing a device for conveying electromagnetic radiationand fluid there through to one or more target sites, the device beingconstructed from one or more materials providing one or more opticalproperties of the device, the device having a housing including anelectromagnetic radiation inlet, a fluid inlet, and an outlet for theelectromagnetic radiation and the fluid; and (2) providing one or morefluids to be delivered through the device, the one or more fluids havingone or more optical properties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified embodiment of a system of thisapplication.

FIG. 2 illustrates another simplified embodiment of a system of thisapplication.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a simplified embodiment of a treatmentdevice.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view of the treatment device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of the treatment device of FIG. 3including a waveguide attached thereto.

FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of the treatment device of FIG. 3including a waveguide and hollow member attached thereto.

FIG. 7 illustrates another sectional side view of a simplifiedembodiment of a treatment device including a waveguide attached thereto.

FIG. 8 illustrates another sectional side view of the treatment deviceof FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates another sectional side view of a simplifiedembodiment of a treatment device.

FIG. 10 illustrates a partial phantom side view of another simplifiedembodiment of a treatment device.

FIG. 11 illustrates a sectional side view of another simplifiedembodiment of a treatment device.

FIG. 12 illustrates a distal portion of an embodiment of a hollow memberof the present application.

FIG. 13 illustrates a distal portion of an embodiment of a hollow memberof the present application.

FIG. 14A illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a treatmentdevice.

FIG. 14B illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14C illustrates an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15A illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a treatmentdevice.

FIG. 15B illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15C illustrates a sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 15Aincluding a waveguide connector.

FIG. 16 illustrates a sectional view of a simplified embodiment of atreatment device including a waveguide attached thereto.

FIG. 17 illustrates a sectional view of a simplified embodiment of atreatment device including a waveguide attached thereto illustratingpropagation and transformation of the electromagnetic radiation throughthe treatment device.

FIG. 18 illustrates another sectional view of a simplified embodiment ofa treatment device including a waveguide attached thereto illustratingpropagation and transformation of electromagnetic radiation through thetreatment device.

FIG. 19 illustrates another sectional view of a simplified embodiment ofa treatment device including a waveguide attached thereto illustratingpropagation and transformation of electromagnetic radiation through thetreatment device.

FIG. 20 illustrates another simplified embodiment of a treatment deviceof the present application including a waveguide and hollow memberattached thereto.

FIG. 21 illustrates another simplified embodiment of a treatment deviceof the present application including a waveguide and hollow memberattached thereto.

FIG. 22 illustrates a sectional view of a simplified embodiment of atreatment device of the present application including a waveguide andhollow member attached thereto.

FIG. 23 illustrates a sectional view of a simplified embodiment of atreatment device of the present application including a waveguide andhollow member attached thereto.

FIG. 24 illustrates a sectional view of a simplified embodiment of atreatment assembly of the present application including a waveguide andhollow member attached thereto.

FIG. 25 illustrates a partial sectional view of a simplified embodimentof a treatment assembly of the present application including a waveguideand hollow member attached thereto.

FIG. 26 illustrates a partial sectional view of a treatment assembly ofthe present application including a waveguide and hollow member attachedthereto illustrating propagation and transformation of electromagneticradiation through the treatment device.

FIG. 27 illustrates an exploded view of a treatment assembly of thepresent application.

FIG. 28 illustrates a sectional view of the treatment assembly of FIG.27.

FIG. 29 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary cable member and awaveguide.

FIG. 30A illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary interconnectmember.

FIG. 30B illustrates a sectional side view of the interconnect member ofFIG. 30A.

FIG. 30C illustrates a side view of the interconnect member of FIG. 30A.

FIG. 30D illustrates a perspective view of the interconnect member ofFIG. 30A.

FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of an assembly of the presentapplication.

FIG. 32 illustrates a sectional side view of the assembly of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 illustrates a sectional side view of another simplifiedembodiment of a treatment device of the present application.

FIG. 34 illustrates a perspective view of another simplified embodimentof a treatment assembly of the present application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Before describing the invention in detail, it is to be understood thatthe present device, system and method are not limited to particularembodiments. It is also to be understood that the terminology usedherein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, andis not intended to be limiting. As used in this specification and theappended claims, the term “blood contaminant” may refer to one or moreviral contaminants, bacterial contaminants, pathogenic organisms,pathogenic microorganisms, toxins, organisms, poisons, abnormal cells,allergens, other agents, and combinations thereof. Herein, “toxin” or“toxins” may be characterized and include one or more neurotoxins,hemotoxins, phototoxins, exotoxins, endotoxins, biotoxins, man-madetoxins, and combinations thereof. The phrase “pathogenic organism” or“pathogen” herein refers to any particle and/or organism that can enterthe body of a living subject including, but not necessarily limited tomicroorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, multicellularparasites, and aberrant proteins (“prions”), and combinations thereof.In terms of animals, the phrase “blood-borne pathogen” herein refers toone or more infectious microorganisms present in an animal's blood thatmay cause sickness, disease or other abnormal state in an animal. A“blood-borne disease” means a disease that can be spread throughcontamination of the blood and/or blood components and/or cellular bloodmatter and/or blood plasma protein fractions of an animal. Inparticular, a blood-borne disease may refer to any disease of the blood,involving the red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells(leukocytes), or platelets (thrombocytes) or the tissues in which theseelements are formed, e.g., the bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen. Thephrase “emerging infectious disease” (“EID”) refers to an infectiousdisease whose incidence has increased in recent years with prospects ofcontinual increasing. As understood by persons of ordinary skill in theart, EIDs are caused by newly identified species or strains, e.g.,severe acute respiratory syndrome (“SARS”) and acquired immunedeficiency syndrome (“AIDS”), which (1) may have evolved from a knowninfection, e.g. influenza, or (2) spread to a new population, e.g., WestNile virus, or area undergoing ecologic transformation, e.g., Lymedisease, or be reemerging infections, like drug resistant tuberculosis.The phrase “infectious disease” (also referred to as “transmissiblediseases” and/or “communicable diseases”) suitably includes a clinicallyevident illness, i.e., characteristic medical signs and/or symptoms ofdisease, resulting from the infection, presence and growth of pathogenicbiological agents in an individual host organism.

Herein, a “blood infection” may be referred to as a condition whereinthe blood cells and/or blood plasma get infected by one or morepathogens and their toxins. When referring to blood infections, the term“sepsis” refers to a condition where the entire body is involved in atoxic condition with microorganisms and their toxins spreading from onesite to another. The term “septicemia” refers to a condition where thereare active pathogens present in the bloodstream itself. A “blooddisorder” refers to conditions that are mostly genetic andnon-contagious in nature. The phrase “blood constituent” may refer tored blood cells and/or blood platelets and/or blood plasma. The phrase“cellular blood constituent” may refer to red blood cells and/or bloodplatelets. The phrase “blood product” may refer to one or more bloodconstituents either alone or in combination, and either with or withoutother blood constituents or other substances. Thus, blood products mayinclude for example, whole blood and blood plasma.

Blood-borne pathogens may be transferred to an animal via inhalation,direct contact with contaminated blood or fluid(s) of another animal.Depending on the animal in question, pathogens may be transferredthrough open sores, cuts, abrasions, acne, blisters, sun-damaged skin,mucous membranes of the eyes, mucous membranes of the mouth, mucousmembranes of the nose, mucous membranes of the genital area, mucousmembranes of the anus, and combinations thereof. Exemplary animal fluidsmay include, but are not necessarily limited to animal semen, animalsecretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid,peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva, and combinations thereof. Thephrase “vector-borne disease” refers to a disease caused by aninfectious microbe that is transmitted to animals by arthropods. Thearthropods, e.g., insects or arachnids, may include but are notnecessarily limited to (1) blood sucking insects such as mosquitoes,fleas, lice, biting flies and bugs and (2) blood sucking arachnids suchas mites and ticks. The term “vector” may refer to any arthropod thattransmits a disease through feeding activity. Herein, blood-bornepathogens may be blood-borne, vector borne, or otherwise transferred toan animal by other intentional and unintentional means including, forexample, via transfusion of human blood products. Herein, the termmicroorganism may include, but is not necessarily limited to one or moremicroscopic disease-causing organisms.

“Electromagnetic radiation,” as understood by a skilled artisan, isclassified by wavelength into radio, microwave, infrared, the visiblespectrum perceived as visible light, ultraviolet (“UV”), X-rays, andgamma rays. The phrase “radiant energy” refers to the energy ofelectromagnetic waves. The phrase “optical property” refers to anyfundamental property of a material that affects its interaction withelectromagnetic energy. Optical properties may include, but are notnecessarily limited to optical transmission, optical absorption, indexof refraction, reflectivity, non-linear effects, and scattering. Theterm “transparent” can be defined to include the characterization thatno significant obstruction or absorption of electromagnetic radiationoccurs at the particular wavelength or wavelengths of interest. Herein,the term “treatment” refers to the delivery of electromagnetic radiationto one or more target sites of one or more subjects. A “target site” mayinclude one or more superficial or surface sites and/or subsurface sitesof a subject. The term “subject” or “target subject” refers to a targetentity, entities, object or objects of the electromagnetic radiation.Exemplary subjects may include one or more (1) inanimate objects, (2)organisms of the three domains (Archaea, Eubacteria and Eukaryota) andsix kingdoms (Archaebacteria, Eubacteria, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, andAnimalia), (3) individual cells and cellular components of the threedomains and six kingdoms including cell cultures, (4) blood products,(5) fluids or fluid compositions, and combinations thereof. Suitableinanimate objects may include but are not necessarily limited toinorganic compounds, organic compounds, compositions thereof andarticles of construction made there from. Herein, “DNA” refers todeoxyribonucleic acid and “RNA” refers to ribonucleic acid as understoodby persons of ordinary skill in the art of science and medicine.

The term “skin” may refer to the topical surface of members of theAnimalia kingdom. With regard to mammals, the term “skin” refers to theepidermis and/or dermis of an animal. The epidermis is comprised of thestratum corneum, the stratum granulosum, the stratum spinosum, and thestratum basale, with the stratum corneum being at the surface of theskin and the stratum basale being the deepest portion of the epidermis.The epidermis ranges from about 0.05 mm to about 0.2 mm in thickness,depending on the location on the body of the mammal. Beneath theepidermis is the dermis, which is significantly thicker than theepidermis ranging from about 0.3.0 mm to about 3.0 mm in thickness,depending on the location on the body of the mammal. The dermis isprimarily composed of collagen in the form of fibrous bundles. Herein,the term “subcutaneous” may refer to being, living, occurring, oradministered under the skin. The term “topical” refers to any externalor outer surface locations of a target subject. The phrases “bloodvessel” and “blood vessels” may refer to veins and/or arteries as eachis understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art of circulatorysystems of animals. The term “intravenous” may refer to being situated,performed, occurring within, administered into, or involving entry byway of a vein. The term “intra-arterial” may refer to being situated,performed, occurring within, administered into, or involving entry byway of an artery.

Herein, the phrase “hollow puncture forming member” refers to an objectoperationally configured to penetrate and/or puncture (1) inanimatematerial(s) and (2) dead and/or live tissue of an animal viasubcutaneous injection into veins, arteries, and other subcutaneousareas or spaces. One suitable hollow puncture forming member includes acannula, as the term is understood by persons of ordinary skill of theart of medicine. Another suitable hollow puncture forming memberincludes a needle, including a hypodermic needle as understood bypersons of ordinary skill in the art of medicine. Another suitablehollow puncture forming member includes a catheter or flexible cathetertube. Another suitable hollow puncture forming member includes a liquidlight guide. In one suitable embodiment, the hollow puncture formingmember of the present application is operationally configured to act asa waveguide to convey (1) electromagnetic radiation and/or (2) one ormore fluids there through. In one implementation, fluids may includewater, saline solution or other medicinal solutions. Fluids may alsoinclude one or more therapeutic agents including, but not necessarilylimited to hydrogen peroxide, vitamins, minerals, pharmaceutical drugsincluding photo-active drugs, herbs, herbal medicinal products,nutrients (lipids, carbohydrates, proteins), and combinations thereofthere through. In one particular embodiment, therapeutic agents mayinclude one or more cell populations, such as a cell populationcomprising stem cells, chemicals, compounds, chemotherapeutic agents,proteins, nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA, other natural nucleicacids, modified nucleic acids, DNA or nucleic acid aptamers, andcombinations thereof. In another embodiment, therapeutic agents mayinclude a DNA that encodes an immunogen (such as a viral antigen, likehepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiencyvirus (HIV), influenza, Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), humanpapilloma virus (HPV), or a parasite antigen, such as a malaria antigen,or a plant antigen, such as birch antigen, or a bacterial antigen, suchas a staphylococcal or anthrax antigen, or a tumor antigen). As such,the hollow puncture forming member of the present application isoperationally configured to convey or otherwise allow passage ofelectromagnetic radiation and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptablesolutions or fluids there through. Therapeutic agents of thisapplication may also include one or more selective release agents asdesired.

Herein, “pharmaceutical drug,” “drug” or “pharmaceutical” may refer toany chemical substance intended for use in the medical diagnosis, cure,treatment, or prevention of disease. The phrase “herbal medicinalproduct” may refer to any medicinal product, exclusively containing asactive ingredients one or more herbal substances or one or more herbalpreparations, or one or more such herbal substances in combination withone or more such herbal preparations. The phrase “active agent” may bedefined herein to mean a therapeutic agent given to a target subject toelicit a desired effect.

In one aspect, the application provides a waveguide and/or waveguideassembly operationally configured to be inserted or injected into atarget subject as desired. In another embodiment, the applicationprovides a waveguide, including but not necessarily limited to aninjectable waveguide operationally configured to receive and emitelectromagnetic radiation there from. In still another embodiment, theapplication provides a photon transmitting waveguide including but notnecessarily limited to an injectable waveguide. In still anotherembodiment, the application provides a waveguide configured to operatein a manner similar as a liquid light guide receiving radiant energyfrom another waveguide such as an optical fiber and conveying the sameto a target site.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for employing transformation optics for the delivery ofelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for the delivery of electromagnetic radiation and atherapeutic amount of one or more fluids to one or more subcutaneoustarget sites. The device, assembly, system may also be operationallyconfigured to deliver electromagnetic radiation and a therapeutic amountof hydrogen peroxide to one or more subcutaneous target sites. Forpurposes of this application, hydrogen peroxide may be used to boostoxygen levels of a target animal subject. In another aspect, ozone bloodinfusion techniques may also be employed via the device, assembly,system and method of this application.

In another aspect, the application provides transformation optics fortargeting electromagnetic radiation. Employing transformation optics, adevice, assembly and/or system of this application is suitablyoperationally configured to convey electromagnetic radiation to aremovable hollow puncture forming member in radiant communicationthereto. In another implementation, a device, assembly, and/or systememploying transformation optics may necessarily include a hollowpuncture forming member into the physical design of the device orassembly.

In another aspect, the application provides an injectable parallelradiant energy forming device positioned to transform electromagneticradiation generated by one or more light sources into substantiallyparallel beams of electromagnetic radiation. In another aspect, theapplication provides an injectable collimator. In one embodiment, theinjectable collimator may be coupled to a fiber optic cable, which inturn may be coupled to a light source. In another aspect, theapplication provides an injectable liquid light guide and collimatorassembly. In another aspect, the application provides an injectablecollimator operationally configured to collimate electromagneticradiation received from a waveguide or radiant conduit to a specifiedbeam diameter or spot size. A spot size down to a few microns may beachieved as desired.

In another aspect, the application provides an injectable collimatoroperationally configured to adjust the focal length of the opticalinterface as desired, e.g., according to varying wavelengths ofelectromagnetic radiation received by the collimator.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for the emanation of electromagnetic radiation upon one ormore targets. In another aspect, the application provides a device,assembly, system and method for the emanation of electromagneticradiation to one or more blood products housed in one or morecontainers—sealed and/or unsealed. In another aspect, the applicationprovides a device, assembly, system and method for the emanation ofelectromagnetic radiation to a target fluid housed in an open container,sealed container or otherwise closed container. In another aspect, theapplication provides a device, assembly, system and method for theemanation of electromagnetic radiation upon one or more fluids or fluidsolutions housed in an open container or a sealed container. In anotheraspect the application provides a device, assembly, system and methodoperationally effective to sterilize the one or more fluids or fluidsolutions. In another aspect, the application provides a device,assembly, system and method for the emanation of electromagneticradiation upon a volume of water and/or one or more water basedsolutions.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for the emanation of electromagnetic radiation to one or moresubcutaneous artificial conduits including, but not necessarily limitedto an arteriovenous (“A-V”) graft and the like. In another aspect, theapplication provides a device, assembly, system and method for theemanation of electromagnetic radiation to one or more fluid storagecontainers, e.g., a bag or other container housing fluid, including butnot necessarily limited to animal fluid. Thus, it is contemplated thatthe device, assembly, system and method may be used to treat blood priorto transfusion procedures and the like, pre-surgery, intra-surgery,post-surgery. The device, assembly, system may also be employed toemanate electromagnetic radiation subcutaneously pre-surgery,intra-surgery, post-surgery as desired.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for the emanation of electromagnetic radiation upon one ormore target locations in a manner effective to provide for non-ablatingemanation of electromagnetic radiation. In another aspect, theapplication provides a device, assembly, system and method for theemanation of electromagnetic radiation upon one or more target locationsof a subject without evaporation and/or sublimation of target materialand/or target fluid of the target subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for the non-destructive emanation of electromagneticradiation upon one or more target locations of a subject. In oneimplementation, radiant energy may be employed for selective destructionof one or more target blood contaminants in-vitro and/or in-vivo.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for the emanation of electromagnetic radiation upon one ormore targets via an injectable collimator. The collimator may includeone or more inlets for receiving electromagnetic radiation and one ormore outlets for emitting electromagnetic radiation out there from. Inone embodiment, the one or more inlets may have a larger diameter thanone or more outlets or vice versa. In another embodiment, the outletsand inlets may be substantially equal in size. In another embodiment,the waves of electromagnetic radiation exiting an outlet may benarrowed. To “narrow” electromagnetic radiation may mean either to causethe directions of motion of the electromagnetic radiation to become morealigned in a specific direction, e.g., collimated or parallel, or tocause the spatial cross section of the electromagnetic radiation tobecome smaller.

In another aspect, the application provides a delivery memberoperationally configured to guide, transmit or otherwise conveyelectromagnetic radiation to one or more subsurface sites of a targetsubject. In another aspect, the application provides a waveguideoperationally configured to guide or otherwise convey transformedelectromagnetic radiation to one or more subsurface sites of a targetsubject. In another aspect, the application provides a waveguideoperationally configured to guide or otherwise convey collimatedelectromagnetic radiation to one or more subsurface sites of a targetsubject. In another aspect, the application provides a waveguideoperationally configured to guide or otherwise convey transformedelectromagnetic radiation and one or more fluids to one or moresubsurface sites of a target subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a waveguide operationallyconfigured to guide, transmit or otherwise convey electromagneticradiation to one or more subcutaneous sites of a target subject. Inanother aspect, the application provides a waveguide operationallyconfigured to guide, transmit or otherwise convey transformedelectromagnetic radiation to one or more subcutaneous sites of a targetsubject. In another aspect, the application provides a waveguideoperationally configured to guide, transmit or otherwise conveycollimated electromagnetic radiation to one or more subcutaneous sitesof a target subject. In another aspect, the application provides awaveguide operationally configured to guide or otherwise conveytransformed electromagnetic radiation and one or more fluids to one ormore subcutaneous sites of a target subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method operationally configured for the postoperative conveyance ofelectromagnetic radiation to a subcutaneous site of a target subjectand/or to a site external a target subject including, but notnecessarily limited to one or more containers housing one or morefluids—fluids of a patient and/or other fluids.

In another aspect, the application provides a waveguide, waveguideassembly, or device insertable into the vascular system of a targetsubject for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveying electromagneticradiation to one or more vascular system sites. In still another aspect,the application provides a waveguide, waveguide assembly, or deviceinsertable into the vascular system of a target subject for guiding,transmitting or otherwise conveying electromagnetic radiation and/or oneor more fluids to one or more vascular system sites.

In another aspect, the application provides a waveguide, waveguideassembly, system and method for selective delivery of electromagneticradiation to tissue of animal at one or more surface locations and/orsubsurface locations including, but not necessarily limited to internaltissue locations, the lumens of the body, internal structures of animalbone, and combinations thereof. Internal tissue locations may includeintramuscular and/or internal organ locations.

In another aspect, the application provides a waveguide, waveguideassembly, system and method for intravenous and/or intra-arterialemanation of electromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a waveguide operationallyconfigured to guide or otherwise convey transformed electromagneticradiation, including but not necessarily limited to collimatedelectromagnetic radiation, to one or more target sites of a subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a waveguide operationallyconfigured to provide intravenous and/or intra-arterial delivery oftransformed electromagnetic radiation. In another aspect, theapplication provides a waveguide assembly operationally configured forintravenous and/or intra-arterial delivery of collimated electromagneticradiation. In another aspect, the application provides a waveguideassembly operationally configured for intravenous and/or intra-arterialdelivery of transformed electromagnetic radiation and one or morefluids.

In another aspect, the application provides a method of guidingelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites of a subject. Inanother aspect, the application provides a method of guidingelectromagnetic radiation to a subsurface or a subcutaneous site of atarget subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a method of guiding orotherwise conveying collimated electromagnetic radiation to one or moresites of a target subject. In another aspect, the application provides amethod of guiding or otherwise conveying collimated electromagneticradiation to one or more subsurface and/or subcutaneous sites of atarget subject.

In one aspect, the application provides a waveguide comprisingtransformation optics, the waveguide being operationally configured forintravenous and/or intra-arterial delivery of electromagnetic radiation.In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for the intravenous and/or intra-arterial delivery ofelectromagnetic radiation and one or more anti-coagulants.

In another aspect, the application provides a hypodermic waveguide. Inanother aspect, the application provides a hypodermic waveguideassembly. In another aspect, the application provides a hypodermicliquid light guide.

In another aspect, the application provides a waveguide operationallyconfigured to penetrate a target subject for guiding or otherwiseconveying electromagnetic radiation to a penetrated site within a targetsubject. In another aspect, the application provides a waveguideassembly operationally configured to penetrate a target subject forguiding or otherwise conveying electromagnetic radiation to a penetratedsite within a target subject. In another aspect, the applicationprovides a system including a delivery member operationally configuredto penetrate a target subject for guiding or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to a penetrated site within a target subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a waveguide operationallyconfigured to guide or otherwise convey electromagnetic radiation into atarget subject. In another aspect, the application provides a waveguideassembly operationally configured to guide or otherwise conveyelectromagnetic radiation into a target subject. In another aspect, theapplication provides a system including a waveguide device or assemblycomprising transformation optics, the waveguide device or assembly beingoperationally configured to guide or otherwise convey electromagneticradiation to or into a target subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a waveguide device orassembly including transformation optics and a penetrable liquid lightguide operationally configured to guide or otherwise conveyelectromagnetic radiation and one or more fluids to one or more sites ofa target subject. In another aspect, the application provides a systemincluding a waveguide assembly including transformation optics and apenetrable liquid light guide operationally configured to guide orotherwise convey electromagnetic radiation received from one or moresources and one or more fluids received from one or more sources to oneor more sites of a target subject.

In another aspect, the application provides an assembly includingtransformation optics operationally, the assembly being configured toconvey electromagnetic radiation to one or more subsurface sites of atarget subject. In another aspect, the application provides an assemblyincluding transformation optics, the assembly being operationallyconfigured to convey electromagnetic radiation to one or moresubcutaneous sites of a target subject.

In one aspect, the application provides a liquid light guide assemblyoperationally configured to receive radiant energy and one or morefluids and deliver radiant energy and fluids to a target site ofsubject. In one aspect, the application provides a liquid light guideassembly operationally configured to receive radiant energy and one ormore fluids and deliver radiant energy and fluids to a subcutaneous siteof subject.

In one aspect, the application provides a waveguide assembly forinjecting electromagnetic radiation and/or one or more fluids into atarget subject. In another aspect, the application provides a waveguidefor injecting electromagnetic radiation and/or one or more therapeuticagents into a target subject.

In one aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, system andmethod for guiding, transmitting, or otherwise conveying electromagneticradiation received from a source of electromagnetic radiation to atarget site—the device and/or assembly being operationally configured totransform the electromagnetic radiation received from the source. Thesource of electromagnetic radiation is operationally configured toproduce radiation across the entire electromagnetic spectrum.

In one aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, system andmethod for guiding, transmitting, or otherwise conveying electromagneticradiation in the optical spectrum to one or more target sites.

In one aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, system andmethod for transforming electromagnetic radiation prior to theelectromagnetic radiation reaching one or more target sites.

In one aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, system andmethod for conveying electromagnetic radiation to one or more targetsites of a subject. In one simplified implementation, the applicationprovides a device operationally configured to receive electromagneticradiation at an inlet and convey the electromagnetic radiation outthrough an outlet, the device being operationally configured totransform, manipulate or otherwise affect the electromagnetic radiationprior to its exiting out through the outlet.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for conveying electromagnetic radiation from one or morewaveguides through one or more optical interfaces prior to theelectromagnetic radiation being conveyed out through a hollow member toone or more target sites of a subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for conveying electromagnetic radiation from one or morewaveguides through one or more optical interfaces prior to theelectromagnetic radiation being conveyed out through a hollow member toa target site of a subject. In another aspect, the application providesa device, assembly, system and method for conveying electromagneticradiation from one or more waveguides through one or more opticalinterfaces prior to the electromagnetic radiation being conveyed outthrough a hollow puncture forming member to a target site of a subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for conveying electromagnetic radiation to one or moresubcutaneous sites of a subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for conveying electromagnetic radiation to one or more dermalsites of a subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for conveying electromagnetic radiation to one or moreepidermal sites of a subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for conveying electromagnetic radiation to one or moretopical sites of a subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for collective targeting of organisms including a hostorganism and one or more parasite organisms with electromagneticradiation. In another aspect, the application provides a liquid lightguide assembly for collective targeting of organisms including a hostorganism and one or more parasite organisms with electromagneticradiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, system and methodfor collective targeting of organisms including a host organism and oneor more mutual or commensal symbionts with electromagnetic radiation. Inanother aspect, the application provides a liquid light guide assemblyfor collective targeting of organisms including a host organism and oneor more mutual or commensal symbionts with electromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for collective targeting of two or more organisms on orwithin a host organism with electromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for conveying electromagnetic radiation to one or moresubsurface sites of a subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for conveying electromagnetic radiation to one or moresubcutaneous sites of a subject. In particular, one or more sources ofelectromagnetic radiation and one or more sources of one or more fluidsor fluid solutions, each of which is in communication with one or morehollow members or hollow tubular members operationally configured toconvey the electromagnetic radiation and fluid to one or more targetsites, e.g., subcutaneous sites. In the device, assembly and hollowmember or hollow tubular member, the fluid acts as an electromagneticwaveguide for the electromagnetic radiation propagating there through.In one embodiment, the hollow member or hollow puncture forming memberhas a high index core surrounded by a low index, i.e., index ofrefraction, cladding. In such embodiment, the one or more fluid or fluidsolutions employed, e.g., a saline solution, acts as the core and thehollow member acts as the cladding as the terms are understood in theart of waveguides. It is also contemplated that the hollow member orhollow puncture forming member discussed herein includes one or morecoatings on the inner surfaces there through to affect conveyance of theelectromagnetic radiation and/or fluid as desired.

In another aspect, the application provides a system for conveying oneor more frequencies of electromagnetic radiation, the system includingone or more sources of electromagnetic radiation and one or more sourcesof one or more fluids, each of which is in communication with a hollowpuncture forming member operationally configured for subcutaneousinjection into a target subject. In another embodiment, the system mayinclude one or more therapeutic agents. In another embodiment, thesystem may include one or more photo-active drugs.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for conveying electromagnetic radiation from one or morewaveguides through one or more optical interfaces and a hollow punctureforming member to a subcutaneous location within an animal.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for substantially transforming electromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for substantially narrowing electromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for substantially collimating electromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for substantially transforming electromagnetic radiation forintravenous and/or intra-arterial use.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for substantially collimating electromagnetic radiation forintravenous and/or intra-arterial use.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for substantially transforming beams of light for intravenoususe and/or intra-arterial.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for substantially collimating beams of light for intravenoususe and/or intra-arterial.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for transmitting collimated electromagnetic radiation throughone or more hollow puncture forming members. In another aspect, theapplication provides a device, assembly, system and method fortransmitting collimated electromagnetic radiation and fluid through oneor more hollow puncture forming members.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for transmitting transformed light through one or more hollowpuncture forming members. In another aspect, the application provides adevice, assembly, system and method for transmitting transformed lightand fluid through one or more hollow puncture forming members.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for transmitting collimated light through one or more hollowmembers or hollow puncture forming members. In another aspect, theapplication provides a device, assembly, system and method fortransmitting collimated light and fluid through one or more hollowmembers or hollow puncture forming members.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for transmitting collimated electromagnetic radiation throughone or more hollow members or hollow puncture forming members into ablood vessel of a target subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for emanating a target subject with collimatedelectromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transferring or otherwise conveying collimatedlight through one or more hollow puncture forming members into a bloodvessel of a target subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a collimator fortransmitting electromagnetic radiation through one or more hollowpuncture forming members in communication therewith. In another aspect,the application provides a collimator for transmitting electromagneticradiation through a liquid light guide in communication therewith.

In another aspect, the application provides a collimator fortransmitting electromagnetic radiation through one or more hollowpuncture forming members into a blood vessel of a subject. In anotheraspect, the application provides a collimator for transmittingelectromagnetic radiation through a liquid light guide in communicationwith the collimator into a blood vessel of a subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a system and method fortransmitting electromagnetic radiation to one or more subcutaneous sitesof a target animal subject. The system and method include a waveguidefor conveying radiant energy from a source of radiant energy to a deviceor assembly in communication with a hollow member, including but notnecessarily limited to a hollow puncture forming member. The device orassembly is operationally configured to isolate or otherwise fluidlyseal the waveguide from the hollow member and any fluid delivered to thedevice or assembly as well as any bodily fluid or tissue of a subject.Thus, it is contemplated that a waveguide, e.g., an optical fiber, freefrom contamination may be reused as desired.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting a subject with transformed electromagneticradiation. In another aspect, the application provides a device,assembly, system and method for targeting a subject with collimatedelectromagnetic radiation. In one implementation, the device or assemblyis operationally configured to receive electromagnetic radiation andfluid therein and convey the electromagnetic radiation and fluid outfrom the device or assembly. In another implementation, the device orassembly is operationally configured to receive electromagneticradiation and fluid therein and convey the electromagnetic radiation andfluid out from the device or assembly through a common outlet. In oneparticular embodiment, the device or assembly includes a transparentfluid barrier. In another particular embodiment, the device or assemblyincludes a transparent fluid barrier disposed between a waveguide inradiant communication with the device or assembly and a hollow member inradiant and fluid communication with device or assembly.

In another aspect, the application provides an optical device orassembly operationally configured to transmit transformedelectromagnetic radiation there through, the transformed electromagneticradiation being deliverable to one or more target sites external thedevice.

In another aspect, the application provides an optical device orassembly operationally configured to transmit transformedelectromagnetic radiation through one or more hollow puncture formingmembers attached thereto.

In another aspect, the application provides a device including a lens,the device being operationally configured to transmit transformedelectromagnetic radiation through one or more hollow puncture formingmembers attached thereto. In another aspect, the application provides adevice including a lens, the device being operationally configured totransmit collimated electromagnetic radiation through one or more hollowpuncture forming members attached thereto.

In another aspect, the application provides a device or assembly forreceiving (1) one or more electromagnetic radiation waveguides at afirst end and (2) a hollow puncture forming member at a second end; thedevice being operationally configured to convey electromagneticradiation received from the one or more waveguides out through thehollow puncture forming member. In another aspect, the applicationprovides a device or assembly for receiving (1) one or moreelectromagnetic radiation waveguides at a first inlet, (2) a fluidstream at a second inlet and (3) a hollow puncture forming member at afirst outlet, the device being operationally configured to conveyelectromagnetic radiation received from the one or more waveguides andfluid out through the hollow puncture forming member—the fluid acting asan electromagnetic waveguide for the electromagnetic radiationpropagating through the hollow puncture forming member.

In another aspect, the application provides a device or assemblyoperationally configured to receive one or more electromagneticradiation waveguides at a first end, the device or assembly beingoperationally configured to convey electromagnetic radiation receivedfrom the one or more waveguides out through an aperture of the device.In another aspect, the application provides a device or assemblyoperationally configured to receive one or more electromagneticradiation waveguides at a first inlet and fluid at a second inlet, thedevice or assembly being operationally configured to conveyelectromagnetic radiation received from the one or more waveguides andfluid out through an aperture of the device or assembly.

In another aspect, the application provides a device or assembly forreceiving (1) one or more electromagnetic radiation waveguides at afirst end and (2) a hollow puncture forming member at a second end; thedevice or assembly being operationally configured to narrowelectromagnetic radiation received from the waveguides and convey thesame out through the hollow puncture forming member.

In another aspect, the application provides a device or assembly forreceiving (1) one or more electromagnetic radiation waveguides at afirst end and (2) a hollow puncture forming member at a second end; thedevice or assembly being operationally configured to collimateelectromagnetic radiation received from the waveguides and convey thesame out through the hollow puncture forming member.

In another aspect, the application provides a device or assemblyreleasably attachable to an optical waveguide at a first end and ahollow puncture forming member at a second end, wherein the device orassembly is constructed from one or more materials operationallyconfigured to transform, e.g., collimate, electromagnetic radiationreceived from the optical waveguide, the transformed electromagneticradiation being conveyed out through the hollow puncture forming member.

In another aspect, the application provides a device or assemblyreleasably attachable to an optical fiber at a first end and releasablyattachable to a hypodermic needle at a second end, wherein the device orassembly is constructed from one or more materials operationallyconfigured to collimate electromagnetic radiation received from theoptical fiber and convey the collimated electromagnetic radiation outthrough the needle; wherein the optical fiber is set apart from orotherwise isolated from the needle.

In another aspect, the application provides a device or assemblyreleasably attachable to an optical fiber at a first inlet, releasablyattachable to a fluid conduit at a second inlet and releasablyattachable to a hypodermic needle at a first outlet. The device orassembly operationally configured to transform electromagnetic radiationreceived from the optical fiber by employing transformation optics, thetransformed electromagnetic radiation being conveyed out of the needle;wherein the optical fiber is set apart from or otherwise isolated fromthe needle, at least in part, via the transformation optics.

In another aspect, the application provides a system and method fortransmitting electromagnetic radiation to an intravenous orintra-arterial site, the system including one or more saline solutionsources, one or more electromagnetic radiation sources, one or morewaveguides in communication with the electromagnetic radiation sources,a collimator and a hollow member or hollow puncture forming member inoptical communication with the collimator; wherein the collimator isoperationally configured to apply a transform to the electromagneticradiation received from the one or more waveguides, the transformedelectromagnetic radiation being conveyable out through the hollowpuncture forming member attached thereto.

In another aspect, the application provides a disposable device forconveying or otherwise directing electromagnetic radiation to a targetsite including, but not necessarily limited to a subsurface site,subcutaneous site, and combinations thereof.

In another aspect, the application provides a reusable device forconveying or otherwise directing electromagnetic radiation to a targetsite including, but not necessarily limited to a subsurface site,subcutaneous site, and combinations thereof.

In another aspect, the application provides a system for transmittingelectromagnetic radiation to a target site such as a topical, subsurfaceor subcutaneous site, including communicating to an operator of thesystem the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation being conveyed tothe site.

In another aspect, the application provides an assembly for transmittingelectromagnetic radiation to a subcutaneous site including a hollowpuncture forming member having a reflective inner surface.

In another aspect, the application provides a system including anassembly operationally configured to simultaneously conveyelectromagnetic radiation and one or more parenteral substances to asubcutaneous site.

In another aspect, the application provides a device for receiving (1)one or more optical fibers at a first end, and (2) a hypodermic needleat a second end; the device being operationally configured to collimatethe electromagnetic radiation received from the one or more opticalfibers and direct the collimated electromagnetic radiation out throughthe hypodermic needle.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting and/or treating one or more blood contaminantsof a subject with electromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting and/or treating one or more blood disorders ofa subject with electromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting and/or treating one or more blood diseases of asubject with electromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting and/or treating one or more blood infections ofa subject with electromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting and/or treating one or more infectious diseasesof a subject with electromagnetic radiation. In another aspect, theapplication provides a device, assembly, system and method for targetingand/or treating one or more infectious diseases of a subject withtransformed electromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting and/or treating one or more emerging infectiousdiseases of a subject with electromagnetic radiation. In another aspect,the application provides a device, assembly, system and method fortargeting and/or treating one or more emerging infectious diseases of asubject with transformed electromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for treating and/or treating one or more blood cancers of asubject with electromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting and/or treating one or more blood-bornepathogens of a subject with electromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting and/or treating malaria with electromagneticradiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting and/or treating syphilis with electromagneticradiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting and/or treating brucellosis withelectromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting and/or treating Hepatitis A withelectromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting and/or treating Hepatitis B withelectromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting and/or treating Hepatitis C withelectromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting and/or treating Hepatitis D withelectromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting and/or treating Hepatitis E withelectromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting and/or treating Hepatitis X withelectromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting and/or treating Hepatitis G withelectromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting Human Immunodeficiency Virus (“HIV”) withelectromagnetic radiation. As understood by skilled artisans, HIV mayinclude a retrovirus or group of retroviruses denominated “HIV”,“HIV-1,” “HIV-2,” “HIV-3” and “HIV-4.” The most common cause of AIDS isthought to be HTLV-III, typically referred to as HIV-1.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting and/or treating one or more RNA viruses (as theterm is understood by the skilled artisan) with electromagneticradiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting and/or treating viral hemorrhagic fever withelectromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting and/or treating ebola virus disease (“EVD”)with electromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for targeting and/or treating one or more blood contaminants,one or more blood disorders, one or more blood diseases, one or moreblood infections, one or more infectious diseases, one or more emerginginfectious diseases, one or more blood cancers, one or more pathogens,one or more blood products, one or more blood contaminants withelectromagnetic radiation and intravenous therapy.

In another aspect, the application provides a system and method foradjusting or otherwise altering the electromagnetic radiation and/or theduration of treatment of one or more blood contaminants, one or moreblood disorders, one or more blood diseases, one or more bloodinfections, one or more infectious diseases, one or more emerginginfectious diseases, one or more blood cancers, one or more pathogens,one or more blood products, one or more blood contaminants withelectromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides an apparatus operationallyconfigured to generate selected wavelengths of electromagnetic radiationat a selected power level for a specified duration of time, theelectromagnetic radiation being conveyable to one or more surface and/orsubsurface target sites of a subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a system and methodoperationally configured to generate selectable wavelengths of light ata selected power level for a specified duration of time, the light beingconveyable to one or more surface and/or subsurface target sites of asubject via the system.

In another aspect, the application provides a system and methodoperationally configured to generate and deliver selectable wavelengthsof electromagnetic radiation at user selectable power levels to one ormore surface and/or subsurface target sites of a subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a system and methodoperationally configured to generate and deliver selectable wavelengthsof light at user selectable power levels to one or more surface and/orsubsurface target sites of a subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a system and methodoperationally configured to generate selectable wavelengths ofelectromagnetic radiation at user selectable power levels, the systemincluding a puncture forming device operationally configured to conveythe electromagnetic radiation to a surface and/or subsurface target siteof a subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device or assembly forreceiving (1) one or more electromagnetic radiation waveguides at afirst end and (2) a hollow puncture forming member at a second end; thedevice or assembly being operationally configured to transformelectromagnetic radiation received from the one or more waveguides andconvey the same out through the hollow puncture forming member, thedevice or assembly being operationally configured to isolate the one ormore electromagnetic radiation waveguides apart from the hollow punctureforming member.

In another aspect, the application provides a device or assembly forreceiving (1) one or more electromagnetic radiation waveguides at afirst end and (2) a hollow puncture forming member at a second end; thedevice or assembly being operationally configured to transformelectromagnetic radiation received from the one or more waveguides andconvey the electromagnetic radiation out through the hollow punctureforming member, the device or assembly being operationally configured toisolate the one or more electromagnetic radiation waveguides apart froman open tip of the hollow puncture forming member.

In another aspect, the application provides a device or assembly forreceiving (1) one or more electromagnetic radiation waveguides at afirst end and (2) a hollow puncture forming member at a second end; thedevice or assembly being operationally configured to collimateelectromagnetic radiation received from the one or more waveguides andconvey the electromagnetic radiation out through the hollow punctureforming member, the device or assembly being operationally configured toisolate the one or more electromagnetic radiation waveguides apart froman open tip of the hollow puncture forming member.

In another aspect, the application provides a device or assembly forreceiving (1) one or more optical fibers at a first location, (2) one ormore fluids at one or more second locations and (3) a needle at a thirdlocation; the device or assembly being operationally configured tocollimate electromagnetic radiation received from the one or moreoptical fibers and convey the collimated electromagnetic radiation andfluid out through the needle, the device or assembly being operationallyconfigured to isolate the one or more optical fibers apart from theneedle and fluid within the device or assembly.

In another aspect, the application provides a device or assembly forreceiving (1) one or more optical fibers at a first location, (2) one ormore fluids at one or more second locations and (3) a hypodermic needleat a third location; the device or assembly being operationallyconfigured to collimate electromagnetic radiation received from the oneor more optical fibers and convey the collimated electromagneticradiation and fluid out through the needle, the device or assembly beingoperationally configured to isolate the one or more optical fibers apartfrom an open tip of the needle and fluid within the device or assembly.

In another aspect, the application provides a system operationallyconfigured to guide or otherwise convey electromagnetic radiation fromone or more sources of electromagnetic radiation to one or more targetsites, the system including one or more sources of electromagneticradiation, one or more optical interfaces in communication with the oneor more sources of electromagnetic radiation, and one or more deliverydevices in communication with the one or more optical interfaces forconveying electromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites. Thesystem may further include one or more fluid sources. The system may beoperationally configured to convey fluid and electromagnetic radiationout of a common outlet of the device. For example, the system may beoperationally configured to convey fluid and electromagnetic radiationout from the device to one or more target sites.

In another aspect, the application provides a system operationallyconfigured to guide or otherwise convey electromagnetic radiation to oneor more target sites, the system including at least one or more sourcesof electromagnetic radiation, one or more waveguides in communicationwith the one or more sources of electromagnetic radiation, one or moreoptical interfaces in communication with the one or more waveguides, andone or more delivery devices in communication with the one or moreoptical interfaces for conveying electromagnetic radiation to one ormore target sites. The system may further include one or more fluidsources. The system may be operationally configured to convey fluid andelectromagnetic radiation out from the device.

In another aspect, the application provides a system operationallyconfigured to guide or otherwise convey electromagnetic radiation to oneor more target sites, the system including at least one or more sourcesof electromagnetic radiation, one or more waveguides in communicationwith the one or more sources of electromagnetic radiation, the one ormore waveguides being provided with one or more optical interfaces, andone or more delivery devices in communication with the one or morewaveguides for conveying electromagnetic radiation to one or more targetsites. The system may further include one or more fluid sources. Thesystem may be operationally configured to convey fluid andelectromagnetic radiation out from the device. The system may beoperationally configured to convey fluid and electromagnetic radiationout from the device to one or more target sites.

In another aspect, the application provides a system operationallyconfigured to guide or otherwise convey electromagnetic radiation to oneor more target sites, the system including at least one or more sourcesof electromagnetic radiation, one or more waveguides in communicationwith the one or more sources of electromagnetic radiation, and one ormore delivery devices provided with optical interfaces, whereby thedelivery devices are in communication with the one or more waveguidesand operationally configured to convey electromagnetic radiation to oneor more target sites. The system may further include one or more fluidsources. The system may be operationally configured to convey fluid andelectromagnetic radiation out from the device. The system may beoperationally configured to convey fluid and electromagnetic radiationout from the device to one or more target sites.

In another embodiment, the application provides a device or assemblyhaving one or more sources of electromagnetic radiation, one or moreoptical interfaces, and one or more outlets for conveyance ofelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites.

In another embodiment, the application provides a device or assemblyhaving one or more sources of electromagnetic radiation, one or moresources of fluid, one or more optical interfaces, and one or moreoutlets for conveyance of electromagnetic radiation and fluid. Thedevice may include a self contained power source for powering the one ormore sources of electromagnetic radiation. Or, in the alternative, theone or more sources of electromagnetic radiation may be powered via anexternal source.

In another embodiment, the application provides a device or assemblyincluding a hollow puncture forming member comprised of one or morenon-absorbent materials.

In another embodiment, the application provides a device or assemblyincluding a hollow puncture forming member including an inner surfacecomprised of one or more non-absorbent materials.

In another embodiment, the application provides a device or assemblyincluding a metal hollow puncture forming member including an innersurface comprised one or more non-absorbent materials.

In another embodiment, the application provides a device or assemblyincluding a plastic hollow puncture forming member comprised of one ormore non-absorbent materials.

In another embodiment, the application provides a device or assemblyincluding a plastic puncture forming member including an inner surfacecomprised of one or more non-absorbent materials.

In another embodiment, the application provides a device or assemblyincluding a hollow puncture forming member constructed from one or morecomposite materials, the hollow puncture forming member including aninner surface comprised of one or more non-absorbent materials.

In another embodiment, the application provides a device or assemblyincluding a hollow puncture forming member constructed from silicone,the hollow puncture forming member including an inner surface comprisedof one or more non-absorbent materials.

In another embodiment, the application provides a device or assemblyincluding a cannulation technique for intravenous and/or intra-arterialconveyance of electromagnetic radiation.

In another embodiment, the application provides a device or assemblyincluding a hollow member or a hollow puncture forming member defined byan inner surface of total internal reflection. In another embodiment,the application provides a device or assembly having an outlet forelectromagnetic radiation and/or fluid defined by an inner surface oftotal internal reflection.

In another embodiment, the application provides a hollow punctureforming member substantially bonded to an inner optical fiber.

In another embodiment, the application provides a device, assembly,system, and method for irradiation of blood using electromagneticradiation. The blood may belong to a single person or animal or multiplepersons or animals when treating blood housed in one or more containers.

In another embodiment, the application provides a device, assembly,system, and method for radiant energy blood irradiation in vivo and/orin vitro.

In another embodiment, the application provides a device, assembly,system, and method for extracorporeal targeting of animal fluid usingelectromagnetic radiation. In another embodiment, the applicationprovides a device, assembly, system, and method for extracorporealtargeting and intravenous and/or intra-arterial targeting of animalfluid using electromagnetic radiation.

In another embodiment, the application provides a device, assembly,system, and method incorporating an extracorporeal circuit and aninjectable waveguide operationally configured to emit electromagneticradiation there from. In one aspect, the extracorporeal circuit andinjectable waveguide are operationally configured to target animal fluidusing electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment, the injectablewaveguide is suitable effective as a liquid light guide in operation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device or assembly fortransmitting electromagnetic radiation out there from to a surfacelocation and/or a subsurface location including, but not necessarilylimited to a subcutaneous site, the device or assembly including ahollow puncture forming member having a reflective inner surface. In oneembodiment, the hollow puncture forming member may be formed from one ormore materials operationally configured to be shaped into a desiredform. In another embodiment, the hollow puncture forming member may beformed from one or more resins and/or one or more polyresinsoperationally configured to be shaped into a desired form.

In another aspect, the application provides a device or assembly fortransmitting electromagnetic radiation to a surface location and/or asubsurface location of a target subject including, but not necessarilylimited to a subcutaneous site, the device including a hollow punctureforming member joined to an optical fiber housed therein.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method of photoluminescence, as the term is understood by theskilled artisan. The system may include a source of electromagneticradiation whereby the radiation output of the source may be adjustedaccording to one or more parameters including, but not necessarilylimited to the electromagnetic spectrum of a target subject. The systemis operationally configured to convey electromagnetic radiation from thesource to a device or assembly for conveying the electromagneticradiation to one or more target sites of the subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method of hemo-irradiation, as the term is understood by the skilledartisan.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method of photopheresis, as the term is understood by the skilledartisan.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method of photochemotherapy, as the term is understood by theskilled artisan.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method of photobiological therapy, as the phrase is understood bythe skilled artisan.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method of photo-oxidation, as the term is understood by the skilledartisan.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method of ultraviolet blood irradiation, as the phrase is understoodby the skilled artisan.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method of photodynamic therapy, as the phrase is understood by theskilled artisan.

In another aspect, the application provides a method of exposing animalblood to electromagnetic radiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites of a subject in amanner effective to inactivate blood contaminants of the subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites of a subject in amanner effective to inactivate toxins and viruses of the subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites of a subject in amanner effective to destroy and/or inhibit viruses of the subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, system and methodfor guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveying electromagneticradiation to one or more target sites of a subject in a manner effectiveto destroy and/or inhibit the growth of bacteria of the subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites of a subject in amanner effective to kill pathogens in the bloodstream of the subject,the duration of exposure of the blood to electromagnetic radiation beingless than the duration required to kill the same pathogens outside ofthe subject, e.g., the targeting of pathogens in a laboratory setting.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites of a subject in amanner effective to destroy and/or inhibit the growth of fungi of thesubject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites of an animalsubject in a manner effective to increase the oxygen-combining power ofthe blood of the subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites of an animalsubject in a manner effective to activate steroid hormones of thesubject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites of an animalsubject in a manner effective to increase cell permeability of thesubject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites of an animalsubject in a manner effective for the blood of the subject to continueemanating secondary radiation following treatment.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites of an animalsubject in a manner effective to cause vasodilation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites of an animalsubject in a manner effective to activate white blood cells of thesubject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, system and methodfor guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveying electromagneticradiation to one or more target sites of an animal subject in a mannereffective to decrease platelet aggregation of the subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites of an animalsubject in a manner effective to stimulate fibrinolysis of the subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites of an animalsubject in a manner effective to decrease the viscosity of blood of thesubject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites of an animalsubject in a manner effective to stimulate corticosteroid production ofthe subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites of an animalsubject in a manner effective to improve or increase microcirculation ofthe subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites of an animalsubject whereby multiple treatments of a subject has cumulativephysiological and/or therapeutic effects.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites of an animalsubject in a manner effective to restore normal chemical balances of thesubject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites of an animalsubject in a manner effective to enhance local and systemic resistanceof the subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites of an animalsubject in a manner effective to damage the DNA inside target cellsmaking the cells unable to divide and reproduce.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to the blood of an animal subject in a mannereffective to cause the hemoglobin to absorb the electromagneticradiation.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to the blood of an animal subject in a mannereffective to produce an autogeneous vaccine.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to capillaries of one or more target subjects.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to the blood of an animal subject in a mannereffective to increase vitamin D content and/or cholesterol in the bloodplasma of the subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to the blood of an animal subject in a mannereffective to increase oxygen absorption by the blood of the subject.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to the blood of an animal subject for treatingultraviolet-light deficiency as understood by the skilled artisan.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to the blood of an animal subject forproducing one or more photo-chemical reactions.

In another aspect, the application provides an electromagnetic radiationsource, a radiation conduit, a source of one or more therapeutic agentsand a device in communication with the radiation source and thetherapeutic agent source that is operationally configured to directelectromagnetic radiation and one or more therapeutic agents to a targetsite such as a subcutaneous site of an animal. In this embodiment, oneor more of (1) the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation, (2) thewavelength of the spectral energy used and (3) the duration of exposuremay be determined according to (a) the absorption characteristics of theone or more blood contaminants targeted for exposure to theelectromagnetic radiation, (b) as necessary to produce a desiredphoto-chemical change in the animal.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for treating and/or filtering and/or purifying one or morefluids to be conveyed from a source to a target site. Thus, in oneaspect, the device, assembly and system may be operationally configuredto treat one or more fluids via mechanical treatment and/or radiantenergy targeting.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for treating and/or adding one or more components to fluidbeing conveyed to a target site.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method for guiding, transmitting or otherwise conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to one or more target sites making use ofradio-frequency identification (“RFID”) technology (often referred to asRFID tags) to ensure that only approved component parts may be used aspart of the system. In other words, if the correct data is nottransmitted according to the required RFID, then one or more componentparts including the source of electromagnetic radiation, waveguide,device or assembly may not be operable. Such identification measures maysupport anti-counterfeiting, provide tamper proofing of the device,assemblies and system herein, protect against the manufacturing and saleof unendorsed copycat component parts, electronics or other items.Likewise, it also contemplated that one or more system components may begiven a unique serial number. An electromagnetic radiation source may becalibrated according to the hollow puncture forming member identifiedfor use in one or more particular treatments. Thus, an antenna may beused near an optical fiber whip operationally configured to read a tagencrypted code as desired. In other embodiments, image based technologymay be employed as understood by the skilled artisan. In one embodiment,QR Code technology may be employed as desired.

In another aspect, the application provides a device, assembly, systemand method operationally configured to convey fluid and electromagneticradiation to one or more target sites. In particular, a source ofelectromagnetic radiation may be operationally configured to produceelectromagnetic radiation of a particular wavelength and amplitude. Inone aspect, the wavelength and amplitude of the electromagneticradiation may be substantially maintained throughout the system. Inanother aspect, the wavelength and amplitude of the electromagneticradiation may be altered via one or more mechanical means. In anotheraspect, a wavelength and amplitude of radiant energy generated by thesource of electromagnetic radiation at any given moment may bedetermined or otherwise calculated in a manner effective to emit aparticular wavelength and amplitude of radiant energy to a target siteaccording to one or more variables or parameters including, but notnecessarily limited to the index of refraction and/or total internalreflection and/or numerical aperture and/or various absorptionproperties and/or scattering properties of any waveguides, opticalinterfaces and hollow puncture forming members employed, the compressionof radiant energy during the transition from one waveguide into anotherwaveguide of smaller cross section, the index of refraction and/orabsorption properties and/or scattering properties of fluids used, andcombinations thereof.

In another aspect, the application provides a system including a radiantenergy source programmable as desired, a waveguide in radiantcommunication with the source, a transformation hub for receiving thewaveguide in communication therewith and for transforming radiant energyreceived via the waveguide, a fluid housing in radiant communicationwith the transformation hub and in fluid communication with one or morefluid sources, and a hollow puncture forming member in radiantcommunication and fluid communication with the fluid housing.

In another aspect, the application provides for the transformation ofelectromagnetic waves via transformation optics at a point between asource of electromagnetic radiation and a target of the electromagneticradiation. The application suitably provides transformation optics setapart from a hollow puncture forming member operationally configured todeliver electromagnetic radiation to a target.

In another aspect, the application provides a device or assemblycomprising transformation optics for transforming electromagneticradiation in a manner best suited for conveyance of the electromagneticradiation through a hollow member in radiant communication with thedevice or assembly. It is also contemplated that the transformation maycomprise attenuation of undesirable frequencies of electromagneticradiation or conversion of t least part of emitted electromagneticradiation to a more desirable form.

In another aspect, the application provides a device or assemblycomprising transformation optics for transforming electromagneticradiation received by the device or assembly. The device or assembly isoperationally configured to receive a hollow member in attachmentthereto. In one embodiment, the center of the transformation optics issubstantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the hollow member.In another embodiment, varying transformation optics are interchangeablewith the device or assembly as desired.

In one aspect, the application provides for photodynamic therapy byemploying a waveguide assembly for injecting electromagnetic radiationand/or one or more fluids into a target subject. In one exemplaryembodiment, the application provides a method including injectingphotosensitizers that concentrate in diseased cells of a target animal.

In another aspect, the application provides devices, assemblies andsystems including one or more anti-counterfeiting technologiesincluding, not necessarily limited to plastic identifiers, e.g.,particle taggants, optical devices and quantum dots, hologram labeling,radio-frequency identification (“RFID”), RFID crystagrams, integratedcircuits, encryption, and combinations thereof—as each is understood bythe skilled artisan.

In another aspect, the application provides methods for targeting bloodcontaminants of animals with electromagnetic radiation of one or morefrequencies for one or more durations as desired.

Discussion

The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but ismade merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of theteachings of the embodiments discussed herein. To better understand thenovelty of the teachings of the embodiments, reference is hereafter madeto the accompanying drawings. It is to be fully recognized that thedifferent teachings of the embodiments discussed below may be employedseparately or in any suitable combination to produce desired results.

As shown in the simplified illustration of FIG. 1, a first simplifiedsystem is provided. In this embodiment, the system suitably includes afirst electromagnetic radiation source 100, a first waveguide 102 (or“radiant energy conduit”), a first fluid source 104 and a firsttreatment device 106. In another embodiment, the first electromagneticradiation source 100 may be understood to include one or more waveguides102. As shown, the treatment device 106 is in (1) radiant communicationwith the electromagnetic radiant source 100 via the waveguide 102 and in(2) fluid communication with the fluid source 104 via fluid conduit 107.The radiation source 100 is in radiant communication with the waveguide102 via outlet 101 and the waveguide 102 is in radiant communicationwith the treatment device 106 via a proximal attachment 108. In thisembodiment, the treatment device 106 is operationally configured toconvey electromagnetic radiation and fluid received via waveguide 102and fluid conduit 107 to a target site including but not necessarilylimited to a subcutaneous target site of a subject 10, which in FIG. 1includes a blood vessel 15.

The system may also include an electromagnetic radiation source 100operationally configured to communicate with two or more waveguides 102.As such, electromagnetic radiation may be conveyed via two or morewaveguides 102 to target sites of one or more subjects.

In the particular embodiment of FIG. 2, the electromagnetic radiationsource 100 includes three outlets 101 in radiant communication withcorresponding waveguides 102 and treatment devices 106 for conveyingelectromagnetic radiation to blood vessels of three separate targetsubjects 10. It is also contemplated that multiple outlets 101,waveguides 102 and treatment devices 106 may be used to conveyelectromagnetic radiation to multiple sites of a single target subject10, e.g., locating one treatment device 106 within a blood vessel of atarget subject's 10 arm and locating another treatment device 106 withina blood vessel of the target subject's 10 leg. When targeting fluidhoused in a container or a surface location, multiple treatment devices106 may target a similar container or site.

Suitably, the treatment device 106 includes at least one port, inlet, orconnection member operationally configured to receive or otherwisecommunicate with the waveguide 102 and at least one port, inlet, orconnection member operationally configured to receive or otherwisecommunicate with the fluid conduit 107. It is contemplated that in oneembodiment the treatment device 106 receive only electromagneticradiation and no fluid, whereby the treatment device 106 is providedwith only one or more connection members operationally configured toreceive waveguides 102 in communication therewith. In still anotherembodiment, the treatment device 106 may be provided with one or moremulti-purpose connection members operationally configured to receive orotherwise communicate with either a waveguide 102 or a fluid conduit107.

In one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation source 100 may beoperationally configured to produce electromagnetic radiation across theelectromagnetic spectrum. In another embodiment, the electromagneticradiation source 100 may be operationally configured to produceelectromagnetic radiation across a particular range of frequencies orwavelengths. In still another embodiment, the electromagnetic radiationsource 100 may be operationally configured to produce electromagneticradiation at a particular frequency or wavelength. In still anotherembodiment, the electromagnetic radiation source 100 may beoperationally configured to produce electromagnetic radiation across theelectromagnetic spectrum at one or more intensities and/or one or morefrequencies for a particular duration or durations. Thus, in oneembodiment the electromagnetic radiation source 100 may be programmableor otherwise controlled manually to emanate electromagnetic radiationthere from as desired.

Turning to FIGS. 3 and 4, a simplified embodiment of a treatment device106 is provided including a first body 109 and a second body 110 incommunication with the first body 109. As shown, the first body 109 hasa longitudinal axis A-A and the second body 110 has a longitudinal axisB-B. Non-linear configurations of the bodies 109 and 110 are also hereincontemplated for implementation. The outer surfaces of the first andsecond bodies 109, 110 are not necessarily limited to a particularsurface ornamentation, but, it may be desirable to include an outersurface configuration for ease of use by one or more persons handling orusing the treatment device 106. Thus, the outer surface of the treatmentdevice 106 may be smooth and/or textured. The outer surface of thetreatment device 106 may also include raised surface members ordepressed surface areas, e.g., parallel ridges to frictionally engage aperson's hand or fingers.

As depicted in FIG. 4, the first body 109 includes (1) a first inlet 111in communication with a first opening 114 therein and (2) a first outlet113 in communication with a second opening 115 therein—the first opening114 being in radiant communication with the second opening 115. Thesecond body 110 includes a second inlet 112 in communication with athird opening 116 therein. The second body 110 is suitably connected tothe first body 109 in a manner effective to communicate the thirdopening 116 with the second opening 115. Thus, the second opening 115suitably lies in communication with both the first opening 114 and thethird opening 116.

More particularly, the first inlet 111 is operationally configured toreceive a waveguide 102 in attachment thereto to provide radiantcommunication between the electromagnetic radiation source 100 and thefirst body 109. Likewise, the second inlet 112 is operationallyconfigured to receive a fluid conduit 107 in attachment thereto toprovide fluid communication between the fluid source 104 and the secondbody 110. Thus, the first outlet 113 suitably lies (1) in radiantcommunication with the first inlet 111 and (2) in fluid communicationwith the second inlet 112 in a manner effective to emit electromagneticradiation and/or discharge fluid out through the first outlet 113.

In one embodiment, the first and second inlets 111, 112 may beoperationally configured to receive a corresponding waveguide 102 andfluid conduit 107 in releasable attachment thereto. In anotherembodiment, one or more of the inlets 111, 112 may be operationallyconfigured to receive a corresponding waveguide 102 and fluid conduit107 in permanent attachment thereto. As desired, the one or more of theinlets 111, 112 may be operationally configured to receive acorresponding waveguide 102 and fluid conduit 107 in sealed attachmentthereto or in a manner effective to diminish leakage of radiant energyand/or fluid during operation of the treatment device 106 and system. Instill another embodiment, the treatment device 106, waveguide 102 andfluid conduit 107 may be provided as a single assembly.

Still referring to FIG. 4, the first opening 114 and the second opening115 may be linearly aligned along the longitudinal axis A-A of the firstbody 109. In another embodiment, the first opening 114 and the secondopening 115 may be linearly aligned substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis A-A of the first body 109. In still anotherembodiment, the first opening 114 and the opening 115 may be disposedwithin the first body 109 in a non-linear configuration effective toguide electromagnetic radiation from the first inlet 111 out through theoutlet 113.

Suitably, the first opening 114 and the second opening 115 have an innersurfaces operationally configured to guide electromagnetic radiationthere through as desired. Thus, in one aspect, the treatment device 106functions as a waveguide effective to guide electromagnetic radiationreceived at the first inlet 111 out through the first outlet 113 asdesired. In one embodiment, the treatment device 106 may guideelectromagnetic radiation there through unobstructed. In anotherembodiment, the treatment device 106 may be operationally configured toact on the electromagnetic radiation in one or more modes effective totransform the electromagnetic radiation prior to exiting out through thefirst outlet 113.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first and second openings 114, 115 may bedefined by cylindrical inner surfaces. In another embodiment, the firstand second openings 114, 115 may be defined by curved non-cylindricalinner surfaces. In another embodiment, the first and second openings114, 115 may be defined by multi-sided inner surfaces. It is alsocontemplated that the first and second openings 114, 115 be providedwith non-corresponding inner surfaces, e.g., the first opening 114having four sides and the second opening 115 having a cylindrical innersurface. In one embodiment, the first and second openings 114, 115 mayinclude substantially similar inner diameters or widths. In anotherembodiment, first and second openings 114, 115 may include differentinner diameters or widths. As shown in FIG. 4, the first opening 114includes a larger diameter than the second opening 115.

In other embodiments, the size and shape of the first inlet 111 may ormay not correspond to the size and shape of the first opening 114 andthe size and shape of the first outlet 113 may or may not correspond tothe size and shape of the second opening 115. In still anotherembodiment, the size and shape of the first inlet and/or the firstopening 114 may be determined according to the size and shape of awaveguide 102 or intermediary device to be attached to the first inlet111. Likewise, the size and shape of the first outlet 113 may bedetermined according to a particular target site of a subject 10, aparticular dosage of radiant energy to be applied to a subject 10 and/orthe size and shape of a hollow puncture forming member to be attached tothe first outlet 113.

Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the treatment device 106 may beoperationally configured in a manner whereby the third opening 116 liesin fluid communication with second opening 115 at a point along thelength of the first body 109 whereby fluid entering the second opening115 may flow a particular distance to the outlet 113 as desired.Suitably, the fluid may flow through the treatment device 106 underpressure or via gravity in a manner effective for the fluid to exit outthrough the first outlet 113 as desired. In one embodiment, fluid mayflow out through the first outlet 113 in a constant flow. In anotherembodiment, the system and/or treatment device 106 alone may be providedin a manner effective to provide intermittent fluid flow out through thefirst outlet 113.

It is also contemplated that a fluid in the form of a liquid or liquidcomposition having a known refractive index may be introduced into thetreatment device 106 via second inlet 112. In such embodiment, thepresent system may be operationally configured to produce a particularradiant energy at the radiation source 100 and transform the radiantenergy within the treatment device 106 via the liquid or liquidcomposition within the second opening 115 to produce a desired radiantenergy emitted out through the first outlet 113. In other words, thewaveguide characteristics of the treatment device 106 may be changed asdesired according to the refractive index of the fluid introduced intothe treatment device 106. Said another way, the numerical aperture ofthe treatment device 106 may be altered as desired or otherwisedetermined according to type of fluid introduced into the treatmentdevice 106. In one simplified example where the fluid source is a salinesolution administered to a target subject, a first commerciallyavailable saline solution product may have a higher salt content than asecond commercially available saline solution product, changing theindex of refraction of the fluid of the system. In such situation wherethe first saline solution product is replaced by the second salinesolution product for a particular target subject, the output ofelectromagnetic radiation at the radiation source 100 may need to beadjusted to ensure a substantially similar emission of electromagneticradiation out from the treatment device 106. Likewise, the radiationsource 100 may need to be adjusted to ensure a substantially similaremission of electromagnetic radiation out from the treatment device 106when the index of refraction of a known fluid is changed by the additionof one or more one or more therapeutic agents to the fluid beingadministered to a target subject. Thus, it is herein contemplated thatone or more calculations may be made to determine a particular frequencyand amplitude of radiant energy to be emitted from a treatment device106 or treatment assembly 200, 300 (discussed below) based on the indexof refraction of the fluid or fluid solution used in addition to othersystem characteristics or parameters. Such calculations may also takeinto account degradation qualities of the waveguide 102 and/or treatmentdevice 106 being used.

The treatment device 106 may also include one or more optical interfaces120 located between the first inlet 111 and the second opening 115 fortransforming electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the treatmentdevice 106. In one example, one or more optical interfaces 120 may belocated at the junction between the first opening 114 and the secondopening 115. In still another embodiment, one or more optical interfaces120 may be located at one or more points within the second opening 115.The one or more optical interfaces 120 are suitably operationallyconfigured to transform the electromagnetic radiation received from thewaveguide 102 into a particular type of electromagnetic beam 126 (seefor example FIG. 5) to be emitted out from the treatment device 106 viathe first outlet 113. In still another implementation, it is furthercontemplated that the system may be operationally configured to producea particular radiant energy at the radiation source 100 and transformthe radiant energy within the treatment device 106 via the liquid orliquid composition within the second opening 115 and one or more opticalinterfaces 120 to transform the electromagnetic radiation received fromthe waveguide 102 into a particular type of electromagnetic beam 126 tobe emitted out through the first outlet 113.

As understood by a skilled artisan, electromagnetic radiation 125propagates through a waveguide, such as an optical fiber, according tothe phenomenon of total internal reflection (see for example FIG. 5). Byemploying one or more optical interfaces 120 the present treatmentdevice 106 is operationally configured to transform, e.g., decrease thespatial cross section of the electromagnetic radiation 126 as desired.It is also contemplated that the frequency and amplitude of theelectromagnetic radiation 125 may be changed and/or controlled vianon-linear conversions including, but not necessarily limited to theaddition of quantum dots to fluid entering the treatment device 106.

In one implementation, the one or more optical interfaces 120 of thepresent application may be described as optical lenses. Suitable opticallenses include, but are not necessarily limited to parallel radiantenergy forming lenses, grin lenses, focusing lenses, and combinationsthereof. In one embodiment, the treatment device 106 may include aparallel radiant energy forming lens 120 within the first body 109 oradjacent the first inlet 111 or first outlet 113. For example, the lens120 may include a collimating lens operationally configured to transformelectromagnetic radiation into parallel electromagnetic beams as shownin the simplified illustration of FIG. 5. In one embodiment, thenumerical aperture of a collimating lens is about equal to the numericalaperture of the source, i.e., the waveguide coupled to the collimator.In another embodiment, the numerical aperture of a collimating lens isgreater than the numerical aperture of the source. In anotherembodiment, the numerical aperture of a collimating lens is less thanthe numerical aperture of the source.

In another embodiment, one or more optical interfaces 120 may beprovided as grin lenses (as understood by persons of ordinary skill inthe art of gradient-index optics) operationally configured tosubstantially match the propagation of electromagnetic radiationreceived from a waveguide 102 into the propagation defined by treatmentdevice 106 and/or the hollow puncture forming member 150 (see FIG. 6)attached thereto. In another embodiment, one or more optical interfaces120 may be provided as focusing lenses operationally configured to focussubstantially all of the radiant energy exiting the waveguide 102 into ahollow puncture forming member 150 in radiant communication there with.Thus, in one embodiment the distance of the proximal end 152 of a hollowpuncture forming member 150 from an optical interface 120 may bedetermined according to the focal length of the optical interface 120.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the focusing lens may include, but isnot necessarily limited to a plano-convex lens. Depending on (1) thedesired radiant energy output conveyed to a target, and/or (2) theconfiguration of the waveguide 102 and/or the treatment device 106and/or the hollow puncture forming member 150, one or more opticalinterfaces 120 including, but not necessarily limited to plano-convexlenses, biconvex lenses, positive meniscus lenses, negative meniscuslenses, plano concave lenses, biocancave lenses, and combinationsthereof may be employed as desired.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, optical interfaces 120 may extend acrosssubstantially the entire width or diameter of the opening where housedin a manner effective to prevent radiant energy from passing out aroundthe perimeter of the optical interface 120. In one embodiment, anoptical interface 120 may be located at the junction between a firstopening 114 and the second opening 115 whereby the optical interface 120extends across the whole inner surface of the first opening 114 ensuringthat the radiant energy intended to exit out from the first outlet 113first propagates through the optical interface 120. In anotherembodiment as shown in FIG. 7, including an optical interface 120located at the junction between a first opening 114 and the secondopening 115, the optical interface 120 may be located within the secondopening 115 extending across substantially the entire inner diameter ofthe second opening 115 in a manner effective to prevent radiant energyfrom passing out around the perimeter of the optical interface 120.

With reference again to FIG. 6, the first outlet 113 may beoperationally configured to receive a hollow puncture forming member 150in permanent or releasable attachment thereto. Suitably, the hollowpuncture forming member 150 lies in both radiant communication and fluidcommunication with the second opening 115 in a manner effective to (1)receive and emit electromagnetic radiation and (2) receive and dischargefluid out through the open tip 151 of the hollow puncture forming member150 (see for example FIG. 8). Thus, in one embodiment the hollowpuncture forming member 150 suitably comprises an inner surfaceoperationally configured to act as a waveguide, e.g., a liquid lightguide, for guiding electromagnetic radiation out through the open tip151. As such, the treatment device 106 may be defined as having at leasttwo waveguides in radiant communication for delivery of electromagneticradiation from a waveguide 102 to a target site of a subject 10 outbeyond the open tip 151.

Referring to FIGS. 6-7, the first outlet 113 and second opening 115 mayprovide a female type mating surface for receiving a hollow punctureforming member 150 therein. Although a hollow puncture forming member150 may be mated to a functionally desirable depth within the secondopening 115, the proximal end 152 of the hollow puncture forming member150 suitably remains downstream of the junction 129 between secondopening 115 and third opening 116 during operation. To ensure suchconfiguration, the inner surface of the second opening 115 may include araised surface as desired operationally configured to act as a stop forpreventing travel distance of a hollow puncture forming member 150beyond such stop. In another embodiment (not shown), the second opening115 may be provided as a threaded connection for receiving acorresponding hollow puncture forming member 150 in threaded connectionthereto. In still another embodiment, the hollow puncture forming member150 may include a hub 155 operationally configured to attach to or sliponto the first body 109 whereby the opening of the hollow punctureforming member 150 is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis A-A ofthe first body 109 (see for example FIGS. 9 and 10).

Without limiting the invention to a particular embodiment, one exemplaryhollow puncture forming member 150 may include a cannula. In anotherembodiment, the hollow puncture forming member 150 may include anintravenous cannula. Cannula may have a blunt end, e.g., blunt-tipmicrocannula, beveled blunt end cannula, or deflected tip point asdesired. Suitable cannula may be constructed from one or more materials,including non-static materials, including but not necessarily limited tometals, plastics, composite materials, crystalline materials, andcombinations thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, a cannula may beconstructed from stainless steel. In another exemplary embodiment, acannula may be constructed from hyperchrome stainless steel tubing.Cannula may also include lancent points as desired.

In another embodiment, the hollow puncture forming member 150 mayinclude a hollow needle type device. Suitable needles may include, butare not necessarily limited to reusable or disposable hypodermicneedles, emulsifying needles, lancet point needles, non-coring needles,and pipetting needles constructed from one or more materials, forexample non-static materials, including but not necessarily limited tometals, plastics, composite materials, crystalline materials, andcombinations thereof. Suitable hypodermic needle materials ofconstruction include, but are not necessarily limited to aluminum,tantalum, stainless steel, niobium, nickel iron alloys, nickel alloys,molybdenum, silicon, polymeric materials, composite materials, andcombinations thereof. In another embodiment, hypodermic needles may beconstructed from polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”). Hypodermic needlesmay also include one or more tipping technologies to effect hypodermicinjections or to otherwise enhance penetration of a surface of a targetsite. Suitable tipping technologies include, but are not necessarilylimited to tips coated with PTFE. Because the treatment device 106 maybe built to scale, the needle to be employed is not necessarily limitedto any particular gauge or range of gauges.

In still another embodiment, the hollow puncture forming member 150 mayinclude a catheter or flexible catheter tube operationally configured tobe inserted into a target body cavity, duct, or vessel. Suitablecatheters may include, but are not necessarily limited to angioplastycatheters, internal drug delivery catheters, laser ablation catheters,ultrasonic ablation catheters, thermal or mechanical disruptivecatheters, stent delivery catheters, catheters for monitoring drug orother chemical concentrations/indications in vivo, and catheters formonitoring body functions (e.g., cardiac output). One exemplary cathetermay include a tapered PTFE catheter.

In still another embodiment, the hollow puncture forming member 150 mayinclude a liquid light guide. In one embodiment, the treatment device106 may be operationally configured to receive a light guide adapter inreleasable attachment thereto for communicating the treatment device 106with the liquid light guide. In another embodiment, the distal end ofthe treatment device 106 or first outlet 113 may be operationallyconfigured to receive a liquid light guide in direct attachment thereto.

In one aspect, the hollow puncture forming member 150 may provide foratraumatic insertion for providing radiant energy and one or moretherapeutic agents as described above. Depending on the intended use, aparticular hollow puncture forming member 150 may also be provided as amedical grade device, e.g., sterile, disposable, reusable. As stated,the treatment device 106 and hollow puncture forming member 150 may bebuilt to scale for a particular operation. Said another way, treatmentusing the present device, assembly, system and method is scalablewhereby larger inner width or inner diameter hollow puncture formingmembers 150 may be operationally configured to convey more radiantenergy there through than smaller hollow puncture forming members 150.Although the treatment device 106 and hollow puncture forming member 150may be built to scale, for the purposes of subcutaneous applications inanimals, suitable hollow puncture forming members 150 may includehypodermic needles according to, but not necessarily limited to the sizecharacteristics of Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Nominal Outer Diameter Nominal Inner Diameter Nominal WallThickness tol. tol. tol. Needle inches inches inches Gauge inches mm(mm) inches mm (mm) inches mm (mm)  7 0.180 4.572 ±0.001 0.150 3.810±0.003 0.015 0.381 ±0.001 (±0.025) (±0.076) (±0.025)  8 0.165 4.191±0.001 0.135 3.429 ±0.003 0.015 0.381 ±0.001 (±0.025) (±0.076) (±0.025) 9 0.148 3.759 ±0.001 0.118 2.997 ±0.003 0.015 0.381 ±0.001 (±0.025)(±0.076) (±0.025) 10 0.134 3.404 ±0.001 0.106 2.692 ±0.003 0.014 0.356±0.001 (±0.025) (±0.076) (±0.025) 11 0.120 3.048 ±0.001 0.094 2.388±0.003 0.013 0.330 ±0.001 (±0.025) (±0.076) (±0.025) 12 0.109 2.769±0.001 0.085 2.159 ±0.003 0.012 0.305 ±0.001 (±0.025) (±0.076) (±0.025)13 0.095 2.413 ±0.001 0.071 1.803 ±0.003 0.012 0.305 ±0.001 (±0.025)(±0.076) (±0.025) 14 0.083 2.108 ±0.001 0.063 1.600 ±0.003 0.01 0.254±0.001 (±0.025) (±0.076) (±0.025) 15 0.072 1.829 ±0.0005 0.054 1.372±0.0015 0.009 0.229 ±0.0005 (±0.013) (±0.038) (±0.013) 16 0.065 1.651±0.0005 0.047 1.194 ±0.0015 0.009 0.229 ±0.0005 (±0.013) (±0.038)(±0.013) 17 0.058 1.473 ±0.0005 0.042 1.067 ±0.0015 0.008 0.203 ±0.0005(±0.013) (±0.038) (±0.013) 18 0.050 1.270 ±0.0005 0.033 0.838 ±0.00150.0085 0.216 ±0.0005 (±0.013) (±0.038) (±0.013) 19 0.042 1.067 ±0.00050.027 0.686 ±0.0015 0.0075 0.191 ±0.0005 (±0.013) (±0.038) (±0.013) 200.03575 0.9081 ±0.00025 0.02375 0.603 ±0.00075 0.006 0.1524 ±0.00025(±0.0064) (±0.019) (±0.0064) 21 0.03225 0.8192 ±0.00025 0.02025 0.514±0.00075 0.006 0.1524 ±0.00025 (±0.0064) (±0.019) (±0.0064) 22 0.028250.7176 ±0.00025 0.01625 0.413 ±0.00075 0.006 0.1524 ±0.00025 (±0.0064)(±0.019) (±0.0064) 22s 0.02825 0.7176 ±0.00025 0.006 0.152 ±0.000750.0111 0.2826 ±0.00025 (±0.0064) (±0.019) (±0.0064) 23 0.02525 0.6414±0.00025 0.01325 0.337 ±0.00075 0.006 0.1524 ±0.00025 (±0.0064) (±0.019)(±0.0064) 24 0.02225 0.5652 ±0.00025 0.01225 0.311 ±0.00075 0.005 0.1270±0.00025 (±0.0064) (±0.019) (±0.0064) 25 0.02025 0.5144 ±0.00025 0.010250.260 ±0.00075 0.005 0.1270 ±0.00025 (±0.0064) (±0.019) (±0.0064) 260.01825 0.4636 ±0.00025 0.01025 0.260 ±0.00075 0.004 0.1016 ±0.00025(±0.0064) (±0.019) (±0.0064) 26s 0.01865 0.4737 ±0.00025 0.005 0.127±0.00075 0.0068 0.1734 ±0.00025 (±0.0064) (±0.019) (±0.0064) 27 0.016250.4128 ±0.00025 0.00825 0.210 ±0.00075 0.004 0.1016 ±0.00025 (±0.0064)(±0.019) (±0.0064) 28 0.01425 0.3620 ±0.00025 0.00725 0.184 ±0.000750.0035 0.0889 ±0.00025 (±0.0064) (±0.019) (±0.0064) 29 0.01325 0.3366±0.00025 0.00725 0.184 ±0.00075 0.003 0.0762 ±0.00025 (±0.0064) (±0.019)(±0.0064) 30 0.01225 0.3112 ±0.00025 0.00625 0.159 ±0.00075 0.003 0.0762±0.00025 (±0.0064) (±0.019) (±0.0064) 31 0.01025 0.2604 ±0.00025 0.005250.133 ±0.00075 0.0025 0.0635 ±0.00025 (±0.0064) (±0.019) (±0.0064) 320.00925 0.2350 ±0.00025 0.00425 0.108 ±0.00075 0.0025 0.0635 ±0.00025(±0.0064) (±0.019) (±0.0064) 33 0.00825 0.2096 ±0.00025 0.00425 0.108±0.00075 0.002 0.0508 ±0.00025 (±0.0064) (±0.019) (±0.0064) 34 0.007250.1842 ±0.00025 0.00325 0.0826 ±0.00075 0.002 0.0508 ±0.00025 (±0.0064)(±0.019) (±0.0064)

It is also contemplated that a suitable hollow puncture forming member150 may include a hypodermic needle according to, but not necessarilylimited to the size characteristics of Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 Needle Nominal O.D. Nominal I.D. Gauge mm inches tol. (in.) mminches tol. (in.) 10 3.404 0.1340 ±0.0010 2.692 0.1060 ±0.0020 11 3.0480.1200 ±0.0010 2.388 0.0940 ±0.0020 12 2.769 0.1090 ±0.0010 2.159 0.0850±0.0020 13 2.413 0.0950 ±0.0010 1.803 0.0710 ±0.0020 14 2.108 0.0830±0.0010 1.600 0.0630 ±0.0020 15 1.829 0.0720 ±0.0005 1.372 0.0540±0.0015 16 1.651 0.0650 ±0.0005 1.194 0.0470 ±0.0015 17 1.473 0.0580±0.0005 1.067 0.0420 ±0.0015 18 1.270 0.0500 ±0.0005 0.838 0.0330±0.0015 19 1.067 0.0420 ±0.0005 0.686 0.0270 ±0.0015 20 0.902 0.0355+0.0005 0.584 0.0230 +0.0015 −0.0000 −0.0000 21 0.813 0.0320 +0.00050.495 0.0195 +0.0015 −0.0000 −0.0000 22 0.711 0.0280 +0.0005 0.3940.0155 +0.0015 −0.0000 −0.0000 22s 0.711 0.0280 +0.0005 0.140 0.0055+0.0015 −0.0000 −0.0000 23 0.635 0.0250 +0.0005 0.318 0.0125 +0.0015−0.0000 −0.0000 24 0.559 0.0220 +0.0005 0.292 0.0115 +0.0015 −0.0000−0.0000 25 0.508 0.0200 +0.0005 0.241 0.0095 +0.0015 −0.0000 −0.0000 25s0.508 0.0200 +0.0005 0.140 0.0055 +0.0015 −0.0000 −0.0000 26 0.4570.0180 +0.0005 0.241 0.0095 +0.0015 −0.0000 −0.0000 26s 0.467 0.0184+0.0005 0.114 0.0045 +0.0015 −0.0000 −0.0000 27 0.406 0.0160 +0.00050.191 0.0075 +0.0015 −0.0000 −0.0000 28 0.356 0.0140 +0.0005 0.1650.0065 +0.0015 −0.0000 −0.0000 29 0.330 0.0130 +0.0005 0.165 0.0065+0.0015 −0.0000 −0.0000 30 0.305 0.0120 +0.0005 0.140 0.0055 +0.0015−0.0000 −0.0000 31 0.254 0.0100 +0.0005 0.114 0.0045 +0.0015 −0.0000−0.0000 32 0.229 0.0090 +0.0005 0.089 0.0035 +0.0015 −0.0000 −0.0000 330.203 0.0080 +0.0005 0.089 0.0035 +0.0015 −0.0000 −0.0000In animals, the length of a particular hypodermic needle employedsuitably includes a length operationally configured to conveyelectromagnetic radiation to one or more particular subcutaneous targetsites. In other words, the length of a particular hypodermic needle maybe determined according to the size of the target subject. Withoutlimiting the length of hypodermic needles to a particular range, for thepurposes of subcutaneous applications in animals, suitable lengths mayinclude from about 0.01 mm to about 5.0 meters. In human applications, asuitable hypodermic needle may range in length from about 1.0 mm toabout 50.0 cm. In another embodiment, it is contemplated thatnanoneedles (as understood by the skilled artisan) may be employed. Itis also contemplated that varying needle point styles may be employed asdesired.

As shown in FIG. 10, the hollow puncture forming member 150 may beprovided with wings 130 (also commonly referred to as a “butterfly” bypersons of ordinary skill in the art of healthcare services) to allowfor easy fixation of the treatment device 106 to a target subject 10 tohelp prevent pistoning and/or rolling of the treatment device 106 duringoperation. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the first body109 itself may include a puncture forming outer surface configuration ata distal end 131 (see FIG. 11). In one particular embodiment, thetreatment device 106 may be provided as a tapered PTFE device providingfor atraumatic insertion of the first body 109.

With attention to FIG. 12, the distal portion of a hollow member or ahollow puncture forming member 150 or first body 109 may include aclosed tip with one or more apertures 132 located at or near the tip ofthe hollow puncture forming member 150 operationally configured forconveyance of electromagnetic radiation there through. In anotherembodiment, the distal portion of the hollow member or hollow punctureforming member 150 or first body 109 may include a closed tip comprisingone or more transparent materials, one or more partially transparentmaterials, one or more translucent materials, one or more partiallytranslucent materials, and combinations thereof forming one or morewindows 133 near the closed tip operationally configured for conveyanceof electromagnetic radiation there through (see FIG. 13). In anotherembodiment, a hollow puncture forming member 150 or first body 109 mayinclude a combination of the elements of FIGS. 12 and 13. In stillanother embodiment, a hollow puncture forming member 150 or first body109 may include an open tip 151 or first outlet 113 in addition to theelements of FIGS. 12 and 13.

Turning to FIGS. 14A-14C, another simplified embodiment of a treatmentdevice 106 is provided. Like the embodiment described above, thetreatment device 106 of this embodiment suitably includes a hollow firstbody 109 having a longitudinal axis C-C and a second body 110 incommunication with the first body 109 and having a longitudinal axisD-D, the first body 109 being operationally configured to receive awaveguide 102 at a first end and a hollow puncture forming member 150 ata second end, the second body 110 being operationally configured toreceive a fluid conduit 107 in attachment thereto. Other non-linearconfigurations of the bodies 109 and 110 are also contemplated forimplementation with this particular embodiment of the treatment device106. In one implementation, the second body 110 may be flexible orbendable.

With attention to FIGS. 14A-B, the treatment device 106 may furtherinclude a conduit 134 in fluid communication with the second body 110 ata first end and operationally configured to receive a fluid conduit 107in fluid communication thereto. The conduit 134 may be provided as asubstantially straight member in axial alignment according tolongitudinal axis D-D. In another embodiment, the conduit 134 may beprovided as a non-linear member as shown. A conduit 134 may beconstructed from one or more rigid materials and/or one or more flexiblematerials as desired. For example, the conduit 134 may be constructedfrom one or more metals, polymeric materials, rubbers, glass,plexiglass, filled composite materials, and combinations thereof.Likewise, the conduit 134 may include a length as desired for aparticular use. Where the treatment device 106 is to be used to conveyradiant energy to a subcutaneous site of an animal, the conduit 134suitably includes a shape and/or a length providing for adequatemanipulation and/or placement of the treatment device 106 and fluidconduit 107 for ease of operation. For use with persons, the conduit 134may be provided as a flexible tube constructed from one or morepolymeric materials and have a length from about 1.27 cm to about 30.48(about 0.5 inches to about 12.0 inches). With reference to FIG. 14A, onesuitable conduit 134 for use with a person 10 has a length of about11.43 cm (about 4.5 inches).

In one suitable embodiment, the conduit 134 engages the second body viaa sealable connection to minimize fluid loss out from the point ofattachment between the conduit 134 and the second body 110. In anothersuitable embodiment, an interconnector may be used to join the conduit134 to the second body 110 as a snap fit or threaded type male/femalefitting. In another suitable embodiment, the distal end of the conduit134 may include a mating surface or other connector operationallyconfigured to mate or otherwise engage the second inlet 112 or secondbody 110. In addition, the first inlet 111 is operationally configuredto receive a waveguide 102 in radiant communication there with in amanner effective to prevent or otherwise minimize leakage, emission orescape of electromagnetic radiation from within the first body 109,e.g., at a junction between the first body 109 and the waveguide 102.

The treatment device 106 of FIGS. 14A-14C suitably includes one or moreoptical interfaces 120 housed within a compartment 135 near the firstinlet 111 in a manner effective to transform radiant energy receivedtherein to produce a treatment dose of radiant energy emitted outthrough the tip 151 of the hollow puncture forming member 150. In oneparticular embodiment, the treatment device 106 is operationallyconfigured emit radiant energy and fluid received through the conduit134 out through the tip 151.

As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 14C, the treatment device 106 maybe provided as an assembly including a first body 109 permanently orreleasably attachable to a corresponding conduit 134, a hollowintermediary winged member 136 permanently or releasably attachable tothe first body 109 to allow for easy fixation of the treatment device106 to a target subject 10 to help prevent pistoning and/or rolling ofthe treatment device 106 during operation, the winged member 136 beingaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis C-C, and a hollow punctureforming member 150 permanently or releasably attachable to the wingedmember 136, the hollow puncture forming member 150 being axially alignedwith the longitudinal axis C-C.

The hollow intermediary winged member 136 may be substantially planar orinclude a surface ornamentation effective to abut an outer surface asdesired. For example, the hollow intermediary winged member 136 mayinclude a curved surface operationally configured to abut the curvatureof the surface of a person's 10 arm. Likewise, the hollow intermediarywinged member 136 (or other portion of the treatment device 106) mayinclude an adhesive type surface for adhering the treatment device to atarget surface. In addition to single use disposal of one or more of theabove parts of the treatment device 106, each of the first body 109, theconduit 134, the hollow intermediary winged member 136, and the hollowpuncture forming member 150 may be operationally configured for reuse inany combination.

With reference now to FIGS. 15A-15C, another simplified embodiment of atreatment device 106 is provided. The treatment device 106 of thisembodiment includes a first body 109 having a first inlet 111 and firstoutlet 113 and a second body 110 having a second inlet 112, the secondbody 110 being in fluid communication with the first body 109. Withattention to FIG. 15B, first body 109 may be described as having amulti-sectional or multi-compartment configuration (see Sections 1, 2and 3). Even though the outer surface configuration of the first body109 may vary, in the embodiment of FIGS. 15A-15C the first body 109includes a cylindrical shape of one or more outer diameters. Inparticular, Section 1 has the smallest outer diameter and Section 3 hasthe greatest outer diameter. The particular configuration of FIGS.15A-15C is operationally configured for use with disposable hollowpuncture forming members 150. Suitably, the configuration of thetreatment device 106 assists in minimizing material costs and/orproduction costs while also being effective for different types oftreatment operations.

With attention to FIG. 15C, Section 1 of the first body 109 isoperationally configured to receive a waveguide 102 in radiantcommunication thereto. Suitably, Section 1 includes an opening 160defined by an inner surface 161 operationally configured to mate with afiber optic connector 140. As shown in the simplified embodiment of FIG.15C, the inner surface 161 of the opening 160 includes a steppedconfiguration effective to receive a slotted bayonet type fiber opticconnector 140 such as a ST Connector in releasable attachment thereto.

Section 2 of the first body 109 suitably includes an opening 162 definedby an inner surface 163 and one or more optical interfaces 120 disposedacross the opening 162 as desired. In another embodiment it iscontemplated that no optical interfaces 120 are employed. As shown, theopening 162 is in radiant communication with the opening 160 of Section1 and in fluid communication with the second body 110, the opening 162having a first volume for receiving radiant energy and/or fluid thereinincluding one or more fluids in an amount up to the volume of theopening 162 as received via the third opening 116. At a minimum, theopening 162 of Section 2 includes an inner surface configuration and/orvolume operationally configured to direct radiant energy and a desiredamount of fluid out from the opening 162 into the opening 164 of Section3, which is in radiant and fluid communication with opening 162. Section3 may also include an inner surface 165 configuration effective toassist in directing radiant energy and/or fluid from the opening 162 outthrough the first outlet 113. In this particular embodiment, the opening164 includes a funnel type configuration 166 at the junction with theopening 162 operationally configured to optimize the amount of radiantenergy entering the opening 164. Likewise, the first outlet 113 of theopening 164 is operationally configured to receive a hollow punctureforming member 150 in attachment thereto. Thus, in one exemplary mode ofoperation, radiant energy and/or fluid suitably exits the treatmentdevice 106 via the first outlet 113 or a hollow puncture forming member150 attached thereto. Suitably, the fluid and radiant energy areconveyed in a manner effective for the hollow puncture forming member150 attached thereto to act optically similar to a liquid light guide asunderstood by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in FIG. 15C, the opening 164 may include a cylindrical shape,but the inner surface 165 of the opening 164 may include a differentsurface configuration (1) for receiving a particular shaped hollowpuncture forming member 150 therein and/or (2) for acting on the radiantenergy and/or fluid conveyed there through as desired. Section 3 mayalso include a threaded surface 167 as desired for receiving a hollowmember, e.g., a hollow puncture forming member 150 in releasableattachment thereto. In addition, the second body 110 may be disposedabout 45.0 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the treatmentdevice 106 as shown or, in another embodiment, the second body 110 maybe disposed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thetreatment device 106.

Referring now to FIG. 16, Section 2 of this embodiment suitably includesone or more optical interfaces 120 disposed across the inner surface 163of the opening 162 in a manner effective to transform theelectromagnetic radiation received from the waveguide 102 into one ormore particular types of electromagnetic beams to be emitted out throughfirst outlet 113. As shown, the inner surface 161 suitably receives thefiber optic connector 140 in releasable attachment whereby the distalend of the ferrule 141 of the connector extends to a point functionallynear or in abutment with an optical interface 120. In operation, fluidand radiant energy are combined in the opening 162 in a manner effectivefor the hollow puncture forming member 150 to operate as a waveguide,e.g., a liquid light guide.

In this embodiment, the one or more optical interfaces 120 areoperationally configured to transform the electromagnetic radiation 125received from a waveguide 102 in a manner effective to emit beam(s) 126out through the first outlet 113 and/or hollow puncture forming member150 attached thereto as desired. As shown in FIG. 17, an opticalinterface 120 may be provided as a collimator type lens operationallyconfigured to transform electromagnetic radiation into substantiallyparallel beams 126 as shown. In another embodiment, an optical interface120 may be provided as a converging or focusing type lens operationallyconfigured to transform electromagnetic radiation as shown in FIG. 18.In still another embodiment, an optical interface 120 may be provided asa diverging type lens (see FIG. 19) where the treatment device 106includes an opening 164 larger than the opening 162 housing the opticalinterface 120.

Turning now to FIGS. 20 and 21, two other embodiments of the treatmentdevice 106 are provided. As FIG. 20 illustrates, the second body 110 mayextend from the first body 109 according to angle A-1. As shown in FIG.21, the second body 110 may extend from the first body 109 in asubstantially perpendicular orientation relative to the longitudinalaxis A-A of the treatment device 106 suitable for supplying one or morefluids to the first body 109. Surface configurations of the first andsecond bodies 109, 110 may vary according to one or more particularapplications as desired.

The embodiments of FIGS. 20 and 21 are particular assembliesoperationally configured to seal or otherwise separate the waveguide 102from the hollow puncture forming member 150 attached thereto. As shownin FIGS. 22 and 23, the treatment device 106 may be provided as anassembly 200 of one or more reusable component parts and/or one or moredisposable component parts. Although the various component parts may beassembled as desired, in one mode of operation it is contemplated tomanufacture the treatment device (or as may be referred to here as a“treatment assembly” 200) in a manner effective to minimizemanufacturing costs and/or maximize sales of various replacementcomponent parts as desired.

In one simplified embodiment, the treatment assembly 200 may include (1)a waveguide member 210, (2) a main body 220 and (3) a hollow memberassembly or a hollow puncture forming member assembly 230. In oneimplementation, the waveguide member 210, main body 220 and hollowpuncture forming member assembly 230 may be provided assembled andfollowing use the entire assembly 200 may be disposed of or reused. Inanother implementation, one or more component parts may be replacedprior to reuse of the assembly 200 as desired.

In still another implementation, the waveguide member 210, main body 220and hollow puncture forming member assembly 230 may be providedunassembled whereby particular sized and/or shaped component parts maybe fitted together for a particular purpose. For example, a hollowpuncture forming member 150 of a particular length and/or gauge may berequired as compared to other implementations of the assembly 200. Inanother embodiment, a particular volume of fluid or fluid solution maybe required, which may require a main body 220 having a particular sizeand shape. In still another embodiment, a waveguide member 210 of aparticular length (or a series of waveguides joined together) and/orinner diameter or width may be necessary for a particular treatment oruse.

In one embodiment, the main body 220 includes (1) a waveguide receivinginlet 111 operationally configured to receive a waveguide member 210 ina manner effective to provide radiant communication between the mainbody 220 and the waveguide member 210 and (2) an outlet 113operationally configured to receive the hollow puncture forming memberassembly 230 in a manner effective to provide radiant and fluidcommunication between the main body 220 and the hollow puncture formingmember assembly 230. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the main body 220 mayinclude a female type waveguide receiving inlet 111 defined by an innersurface 221, a fluid inlet 223, and a cavity 222 in radiantcommunication with the waveguide receiving inlet and in fluidcommunication with the fluid inlet 223. As shown, the main body 220 mayfurther include one or more optical interfaces 120 defining the borderbetween the waveguide receiving inlet and the cavity 222. In oneparticularly advantageous embodiment, the optical interface 120 may bedisposed along the cavity 222 in a manner effective to fluidly seal thecavity 222 from the waveguide receiving inlet 111. Where the assembly200 is used on an animal, the waveguide member 210 is suitably isolatedfrom exposure to one or more bodily fluids of an animal to be targetedwith the assembly 200. In one embodiment, the optical interface 120 mayinclude a lens according to the description of lenses above. In anotherembodiment, the optical interface 120 may include a window type memberconstructed from one or more transparent materials, one or morepartially transparent materials, one or more translucent materials, oneor more partially translucent materials, and combinations thereof forattenuation of electromagnetic radiation as desired.

Suitably, the cavity 222 is operationally configured to receive aportion of the hollow puncture forming member 150 therein up to a pointof abutment of the proximal end 152 with the optical interface 120 thatforms a barrier of the cavity 222. As shown, the proximal end 152 of thehollow puncture forming member 150 may lie near the optical interface120 in a manner effective to maximize a desired amount of radiant energyand/or fluid entering the hollow puncture forming member 150. In oneembodiment, the hollow puncture forming member assembly 230 may engagethe distal end of the main body 220 in a manner effective to prevent orother minimize movement of the hollow puncture forming member assembly230 during assembly 200 operation. In another embodiment, attachment ofthe hollow puncture forming member assembly 230 to the main body 220 maybe accomplished solely by mating the hollow puncture forming member 150with the first outlet 113 in a manner effective to prevent or otherminimize movement of the hollow puncture forming member 150 duringassembly 200 operation.

In another embodiment, the main body 220 and hollow puncture formingmember assembly 230 may be provided as a single unit or one piece itemfor reuse or for one time use. In such embodiment, the orientation ofthe hollow puncture forming member 150 within the cavity 222 may bepreset or the hollow puncture forming member assembly 230 may include aslidable or otherwise adjustable hollow puncture forming member 150 fordetermining the distance between the optical interface 120 and theproximal end 152 of the hollow puncture forming member 150. It isfurther contemplated that a slidable or otherwise adjustable hollowmember or hollow puncture forming member 150 may be replaced anddisposed of as desired while reusing the remaining assembly 200component parts.

Still referring to FIGS. 22 and 23 a suitable waveguide member 210includes a nose 211 operationally configured to mate with the femaletype waveguide receiving inlet 111 of the main body 220. In oneembodiment, the nose 211 may be operationally configured to engage theinner surface 221 in fixed abutment thereto during operation of theassembly 200. In other embodiments, the nose 211 may engage the innersurface 221 via one or more methods including, but not necessarilylimited to a snap-fit connection, a threaded connection, a push and turnconnection, a screw on configuration, and a press fit connection. Inanother embodiment, screws, bolts, rivets and the like may be used toattach the nose 211 to the main body 220. Thus, it is furthercontemplated that one or more seals or gasket type members may be usedbetween the nose 211 and the main body 220 as desired. As shown in theembodiments of FIGS. 22 and 23, the nose 211 is mated with the femaletype waveguide receiving inlet 111 of the main body 220 via a slottedconnection.

Without limiting the invention to a particular embodiment, theorientation of the nose 211 within the waveguide receiving inlet may bedetermined according to one or more assembly 200 design characteristics,fluid characteristics, attenuation characteristics of the opticalinterface 120, the angular distribution of light exiting the waveguidemember 210, the desired emission of radiant energy out from the assembly200, and combinations thereof. As shown, the outer surface of the nose211 may lie in substantial abutment with the inner surface 221 wherebythe outlet of the core 213 of the waveguide member 210 lies near theoptical interface 120 minimizing the distance of propagation ofelectromagnetic radiation between the waveguide member 210 and theoptical interface 120. As shown, the nose 211 suitably engages the mainbody 220 in a manner effective to minimize loss of radiant energy outthrough the female type waveguide receiving inlet 111 of the main body220. In another embodiment, the nose 211 may engage the main body 220 ina manner effective to direct radiant energy toward the optical interface120 at a distance up to about the outer edge of the inlet waveguidereceiving 111.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, one suitable waveguide member 210 mayinclude an outer skirt 212 for ease of manual operation. The innersurface 215 of the skirt 212 may be operationally configured to engagethe outer surface 224 of the main body 220 in a fixed position duringoperation of the assembly 200. Thus, in one embodiment the wave guidemember 210 may be attached to the main body 220 via the skirt 212 ratherthan via engagement of the nose 211 and female type waveguide receivinginlet of the main body 220 as discussed above. Without limiting the modeof engagement, the skirt 212 and outer surface 224 of the main body 220may be attached via cooperating threads, a lug-slot connection, a pushand turn connection, a snap-fit connection, via screws, bolts, rivetsand the like, or otherwise latching the skirt 212 to the main body 220as desired. As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 22 and 23, a suitableskirt 212 may include a shoulder 214 operationally configured to abutthe perimeter of the inlet 111 providing a desired depth of the nose 211within the female type waveguide receiving inlet 111 of the main body220.

Still referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, in one suitable embodiment at leastpart of the central axis of the waveguide member 210 is substantiallyaligned with the central axis of the hollow puncture forming member 150.In operation, radiant energy is emitted from the core 213 of thewaveguide member 210 through the optical interface 120 into the proximalend 152 of the hollow puncture forming member 150, whereby the hollowpuncture forming member 150 acts in a manner similar to a liquid lightguide.

Turning now to FIG. 24, another treatment assembly 300 is provided.Without limiting the assembly 300 to any particular number of assembledcomponent parts one suitable assembly 300 may include (1) a waveguidemember 310, (2) a main body 320 and (3) a hollow member assembly orhollow puncture forming member assembly 330. In one implementation, thewaveguide member 310, main body 320 and hollow puncture forming memberassembly 330 may be provided assembled and following use the entireassembly 300 may be disposed of or reused. In another implementation,one or more component parts of the assembly 300 may be replaced prior toreuse of the assembly 300. In still another implementation, thewaveguide member 310, main body 320 and hollow puncture forming memberassembly 330 may be provided unassembled whereby particular sized and/orshaped component parts may be fitted together for a particular treatmentor use. For example, hollow members or hollow puncture forming member150 of a particular length and/or gauge may be required for a particularuse as compared to other implementations of the assembly 300. In anotherembodiment, a particular volume of fluid or fluid solution may berequired, which may require a main body 320 having a particular size andshape cavity 322 for receiving fluid therein. In still anotherembodiment, a waveguide member 310 of a particular length (or a seriesof waveguides joined together) and/or inner diameter or width may benecessary for a particular treatment or use.

As shown, the waveguide member 310 may include one or more waveguides102 in series and one or more optical interfaces 120 mounted at thedistal end of the waveguide 102. In one embodiment, one or more opticalinterfaces 120 may be permanently connected to the waveguide 102. Inanother embodiment, one or more optical interfaces 120 may be releasablyattached to the waveguide 102 providing for interchangeability ofoptical interfaces 120 and varying the possible optical characteristicsof the waveguide member 310 and/or assembly 300.

In one embodiment, an optical interface 120 may be connected to awaveguide 102 via one or more intermediary members operationallyconfigured to convey electromagnetic radiation from the waveguide 102toward the optical interface 120. Without limiting the invention,suitable intermediary members may include spacer type members withapertures there through, e.g., a ring type spacer connected on one sideby the waveguide 102 and connected to the optical interface 120 on itsopposing side. As seen in the simplified embodiment of FIGS. 24 and 25,the waveguide member 310 includes an optical mount 313 operationallyconfigured to surround or otherwise enclose at least part of thewaveguide 102 and at least part of the optical interface 120 in a mannereffective to maintain the optical interface 120 in a fixed positionrelative to the waveguide 102. In addition, the optical mount 313 mayact as the nose of the waveguide member 310 for purposes of engaging themain body 320, thus, the outer surface of the optical mount 313 mayinclude a surface configuration for attachment to the main body 320 asdesired. For example, the optical mount 313 may engage the main body 320in a manner similar as the nose 211 discussed above in relation to FIGS.22 and 23. Likewise, the waveguide member 310 may include a skirt 312and shoulder 314 similar as discussed above.

In one embodiment, the main body 320 may include (1) an inlet 111operationally configured to receive a waveguide member 310 in a mannereffective for radiant communication between the main body 320 and thewaveguide member 310 and (2) an outlet 113 operationally configured toreceive the hollow puncture forming member assembly 330 in a mannereffective for radiant and fluid communication between the main body 320and the hollow puncture forming member assembly 330. As shown, the mainbody 320 may include a female type waveguide receiving inlet 111 definedby an inner surface 321, a fluid inlet 323 and a cavity 322 in radiantcommunication with the female type waveguide receiving inlet 111 and influid communication with the fluid inlet 323. In addition, the main body320 may include a secondary optical interface 350 defining the borderbetween the waveguide receiving inlet 111 and the cavity 322. In oneparticularly advantageous embodiment, the secondary optical interface350 may be disposed along the cavity 322 in a manner effective tofluidly seal the cavity 322 from the waveguide receiving inlet 111 and,thus, physically seal the cavity 322 from the waveguide member 310 ofthe assembly 300—providing separation between the waveguide member 310and the hollow puncture forming member 150. In one embodiment, thesecondary optical interface 350 may include a lens according to thedescription of lenses above. In another embodiment, the secondaryoptical interface 350 may include a substantially planar window typemember constructed from one or more transparent materials, one or morepartially transparent materials, one or more translucent materials, oneor more partially translucent materials, and combinations thereof, forattenuation of electromagnetic radiation as desired. In one suitableembodiment, the secondary optical interface 350 may include atransparent plastic material. In another suitable embodiment, thesecondary optical interface 350 may include a transparent glassmaterial. In another suitable embodiment, the secondary opticalinterface 350 may include a transparent crystalline material. Withoutlimiting the invention, a suitable a secondary optical interface 350 mayinclude a material (1) substantially impermeable to fluids or fluidsolutions entering the cavity 322 during assembly 300 operation and (2)operationally configured to affect or not affect the propagation ofradiant energy guided through the assembly 300 as desired. Where theassembly 300 is used on an animal, the waveguide member 310 is suitablyisolated from exposure to one or more bodily fluids of the animal to betargeted with the assembly 300.

Still referring to FIG. 24, the cavity 322 is operationally configuredto receive a portion of the hollow puncture forming member 150 thereinup to a point of abutment of the proximal end 152 of the hollow punctureforming member 150 with the secondary optical interface 350. As shown,the proximal end 152 of the hollow puncture forming member 150 may lienear the secondary optical interface 350 in a manner effective tomaximize a desired amount of radiant energy and/or fluid entering thehollow puncture forming member 150. In one embodiment, the hollowpuncture forming member assembly 330 may engage the distal end of themain body 320. For example, the outer surface of the main body 320 maybe operationally configured to receive the hollow puncture formingmember assembly 330 in releasable attachment thereto. In anotherembodiment, attachment of the hollow puncture forming member assembly330 to the main body 320 may be accomplished solely by mating the hollowpuncture forming member 150 with the first outlet 113 in a mannereffective to prevent or other minimize movement of the hollow punctureforming member 150 during assembly 300 operation. In still anotherembodiment, the main body 320 and hollow puncture forming memberassembly 330 may be provided as a single unit or one piece item forreuse or for one time use. In such embodiment, the orientation of thehollow puncture forming member 150 within the cavity 322 may be presetor the hollow puncture forming member assembly 330 may include aslidable or otherwise adjustable hollow puncture forming member 150 fordetermining the distance between the secondary optical interface 350 andthe proximal end 152 of the hollow puncture forming member 150. It isfurther contemplated that a slidable or otherwise adjustable hollowpuncture forming member 150 may be replaced and disposed of as desiredwhile reusing the remaining assembly 300 component parts.

Turning to FIG. 26, in operation electromagnetic radiation 125 may beconveyed through the core 213 of the waveguide member 310 and an opticalinterface 120, which is operationally configured to transform theelectromagnetic energy 125 in a manner effective to convey transformedelectromagnetic radiation 126 into the proximal end 152 of the hollowpuncture forming member 150, whereby the hollow puncture forming member150 is operationally configured to receive electromagnetic radiation 126and fluid or a fluid solution received from fluid inlet 323 (accordingto exemplary Arrow F) in a manner effective for the hollow punctureforming member 150 to act in a similar manner as a liquid light guidefor delivering radiant energy to one or more target sites, including atherapeutic amount of radiant energy and/or fluid or a fluid solution.As shown in FIG. 26, at least part of the central axis of the waveguidemember 310 is substantially aligned with the central axis of the hollowpuncture forming member 150.

Turning to FIGS. 27-32, another treatment assembly 400 is provided. Asshown in the simplified exploded view FIG. 27, the treatment assembly400 suitably includes three main components, namely (1) a cable member401, (2) an interconnect member 402 and (3) a hollow dispensing member403. The cable member 401 is in radiant communication withelectromagnetic radiation source 100 and the interconnect member 402.The interconnect member 402 is further in radiant communication with thehollow dispensing member 403 and in fluid communication with a fluidsource 104. The hollow dispensing member 403 is operationally configuredto provide an exit point of electromagnetic radiation and/or one or morefluids or fluid solutions out from the treatment assembly 400.

With attention to FIG. 28, the cable member 401 is operationallyconfigured to receive a waveguide 102 in radiant communicationtherewith. In this particular embodiment, the cable member 401 includesan overmold member 404 with a first opening or port 405 operationallyconfigured to mate with a terminal end of a waveguide 102, e.g., atermination ferrule 407, and a second opening or port 406 operationallyconfigured to mate with the interconnect member 402. Without limitingthe invention, a suitable cable member 401 may further include thefollowing component parts: (1) an electrical connector 409, (2) aprinted circuit board (“PCB”) 410, (3) one or more light emitting diodes(“LED”) 411 and (4) a window member 412. An exploded view of anembodiment of the cable member 401 and waveguide 102 is depicted in FIG.29.

Suitably, the inner surface of the opening 405 corresponds in size andshape to at least part of the termination ferrule 407 (and interferencemember 408 attached thereto)—providing a close fit between thetermination ferrule 407 and the overmold member 404. In suitableoperation, the waveguide 102 is held in place via the terminationferrule 407 and the termination ferrule 407 and one or more opticalinterfaces 120 are held in place via the overmold member 404. In oneembodiment, optical interfaces 120 may be machine fit, pressed withinthe cable member 401 after molding or overmolded into the overmoldmember 404. In another embodiment, the configuration of the opening 405and optical interfaces 120 may allow an optical interface 120 to be heldin a static position during assembly 400 operation. As shown, theoptical interface 120 is disposed across the entire opening 405eliminating electromagnetic radiation from propagating around theoptical interface 120.

As further shown in FIG. 28, a suitable interconnect member 402 includes(1) a main body 420, (2) an opening 421, (3) a window member 422suitably transparent at corresponding electromagnetic frequencies, (4)an integrated circuit (“IC”) 424, (5) a fluid opening 426, (6) a cavity427 in fluid communication with the fluid opening 426, (7) a nose 429,e.g., a tapered nose, having an outlet 428 in fluid communication withthe cavity 427 and in radiant communication with the cable member 401and (8) a connection member 430 attachable to the main body 420. Inoperation, the main body 420 is mated to the cable member 401 viaopening 406. For example, the main body 420 may be mated to the cablemember 401 via a snap fit connection including, but not necessarilylimited to a detent type snap action built into the main body 420 andcable member 401. The interconnect member 402 is further depicted in thesimplified illustrations of FIGS. 30A-30D.

Again referring to FIG. 28, a hollow dispensing member 403 suitablyincludes a hub 440 having an inlet 441 and a hollow member 150 attachedthereto having an outlet at its open tip 151—the hollow member 150 beingin communication with the hub 440. As discussed above, the type ofhollow member 150 that may be employed is not limited to any oneparticular embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 28, a suitable hollowdispensing member 403 is releasably attachable to the connection member430. In one simplified embodiment, the connection member 430 may includea Luer lock type device and the hollow dispensing member 403 may includea Luer lock needle operationally compatible with the Luer lock 430 asunderstood by the skilled artisan. With reference to FIGS. 30D and 31,the hub 440 of a Luer lock needle is operationally configured to fitonto the outer surface of the nose 429 along the inner perimeter of theLuer lock 430. An exemplary blunt Luer lock needle is shown in FIG. 27.An exemplary sharp Luer lock needle is shown in FIG. 28. As alsounderstood by the skilled artisan, Luer lock needles and otherdispensing hollow members are typically disposable items—the hollowmember 150 often being constructed from stainless steel and the hub 440often being constructed from plastic including, but not necessarilylimited to polypropylene. As discussed above, other hollow members 150may be used, e.g., a catheter or flexible catheter tube. An example of asuitable Luer lock 430 is commercially available on the internet atwww.qosina.com.

Turning to FIG. 32, the longitudinal axis of the waveguide 102, cavity427 and hollow member 150 of the treatment assembly 400 are axiallyaligned. In addition, the center of the optical interface 120 issubstantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of each. In operation,the termination ferrule 407 is connected to the cable member 401 in amanner whereby the distal end of the waveguide 102 is set apredetermined distance (also may be referred to as a precise distance,because distance may affect the focus, e.g., the collimation, ofelectromagnetic radiation into fluid in the interconnect member 402)from the optical interface 120 thereby minimizing the distance ofpropagation of electromagnetic radiation between the waveguide 102 andthe optical interface 120. Although the treatment assembly 400 may builtto scale, in one suitable embodiment the distal end of the waveguide 102may lie from a position of abutment with the optical interface 120 up toa precise distance apart from the optical interface 120 during assembly400 operation.

As described above, the main body 420 suitably mates with the cablemember 401 in a manner effective to minimize the distance of propagationof electromagnetic radiation between the optical interface 120 and theopening 421 of the interconnect member 402 in a manner effective tomaximize energy transfer from the waveguide 102 through the hollowdispensing member 403. As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the distal end ofthe overmold member 404 suitably abuts a rim 425 disposed along the mainbody 420 when the component parts are assembled for operation. In onesuitable embodiment, the opening 421 of the interconnect member 402 maylie from a position of abutment with the optical interface 120 up to apredetermined apart from the optical interface 120 during assembly 400operation. This distance suitably has no effect on assembly 400operation. It is further contemplated that the inner surface of theopening 421 may be coated with one or more anti-reflective opticalcoatings in a manner effective to negate reflection losses ofelectromagnetic radiation.

As light propagates from an electromagnetic radiation source 100 (seefor example FIG. 1) through a waveguide 102, the numerical aperture ofthe waveguide 102 defines the exit angle of electromagnetic radiationfrom the waveguide 102 as the electromagnetic radiation interfaces theoptical interface, e.g., lens, 120. As electromagnetic radiation 126enters the opening 421, the electromagnetic radiation 126 propagatesthrough the window member 422 continuing through the cavity 427 andhollow member 150 exiting out there from toward a target site. Asuitable window member 422 may be constructed from one or more materialsincluding, but not necessarily limited to glass, synthetic quartz,polymeric material, e.g., sapphire, and combinations thereof. In oneembodiment, the window member 422 may be machine fit, pressed in aftermolding within the interconnect member 402 or overmolded into theinterconnect member 402 as desired. In another embodiment, theconfiguration of the inner surface of the opening 421 and the windowmember 422 may allow a window member 422 to be held in a static positionduring assembly 400 operation. As shown, a suitable window member 422 isdisposed across the entire opening 421 sealing off the cavity 427 in amanner whereby electromagnetic radiation cannot propagate around thewindow member 422 and fluid cannot flow beyond the window member 422toward the optical interface 120. In particular, the interconnect member402, via window member 422, is operationally configured to isolate thewaveguide 102, optical interface 120 and the air space adjacent theoptical interface 120 from fluid or fluid solutions delivered to theoptical interface 120 via fluid opening 426 (see Arrow F). In addition,the interconnect member 402, via window member 422, is operationallyconfigured to isolate the waveguide 102 from the hollow dispensingmember 403.

When assembled, the IC 424, e.g., an encryption IC, or authentication ICas the terms are known by persons of ordinary skill in the art, issuitably attached to the surface of the main body 420 or to a depressionalong the main body 420 via one or more adhesive materials such as epoxyor the like. In operation, when the main body 420 is mated with thesecond opening 406 of the cable member 401, the IC 424 interfaces theelectrical connector 409 of the cable member 401, which is held intactvia the PCB 410. Suitably, the IC 424 electronically communicatesassembly 400 operating information to the electrical connector 409 andPCB 410, which in turn may electrically communicate operatinginformation to one or more LED 411 attached to the PCB 410 and/or to theelectromagnetic radiation source 100. In a simplified mode of operation,the assembly 400 may be protected against counterfeiting of componentparts whereby, to initiate use of the assembly 400, the IC 424 mustelectronically communicate with the electromagnetic radiation source 100to validate authenticity of the interconnect member 402 before theelectromagnetic radiation source 100 may be operated. As understood bythe skilled artisan, one or more of the assembly 400 component partsand/or the electromagnetic radiation source 100 may be programmed asdesired. Suitably, PCB 410 communicates with the electromagneticradiation source 100 via wiring. Without limiting the invention, smallgauge wiring from about 0.00501 mm² to about 0.0320 mm² (from about 40AWG to about 32 AWG) may be used. In addition, wireless communicationbetween the assembly 400 and the source 100 may also be employed asdesired, e.g., via radio-frequency identification (“RFD”).

In one suitable embodiment, the assembly 400 may include two or morecolored LED 411 for indicating various operation information as desired.For example, one red LED and one blue LED may be used to indicatecertain operation information to one or more persons through the windowmember 412 (see for example FIG. 31). In a non-limiting example of theassembly 400 including the conveyance of light there through, a blinkingred LED may indicate a fault, a blinking blue LED may indicate active UVpropagation and a solid red LED may indicate active visible lightpropagation. A suitable window member 412 may be constructed from glass,one or more polymeric materials, synthetic quartz, and combinationsthereof. In addition, the window member 412 may be form fit within anopening on the main body 420, held in place via one or more adhesivematerials or snap fit as desired.

Without limiting the means of production, a suitable overmold member 404and main body 420 may be formed via molds, e.g., injection molding,overmold member 404 and the main body 420 being constructed from one ormore materials as described below. For human use, one or morebio-approved polymeric materials may be used to construct the overmoldmember 404 and main body 420 as desired. For example, in the UnitedStates of America, one or more bio-approved polymeric materials mayinclude materials as approved by the United States Food and DrugAdministration (“FDA”) at such time. In addition, the overmold member404 and/or the interconnect member 402 may be reused or disposablefollowing a single use as desired or as otherwise required.

As understood by the skilled artisan, the treatment device 106 andassemblies 200, 300, 400 discussed above may be constructed from anymaterial durable enough to perform one or more treatments over one ormore durations as described herein. In particular, the treatment device106 and assembly component parts may be constructed of materialsincluding but not necessarily limited to those materials resistant tochipping, cracking, excessive bending and reshaping as a result ofozone, weathering, heat, moisture, other outside mechanical and chemicalinfluences, as well as various impacts and other loads placed on thetreatment device 106 and assembly component parts. Likewise, thetreatment device 106 and assembly component parts may be constructedfrom one or more materials durable enough to withstand one or more ofboiling, autoclaving, dry heat sterilization, flaming, detergentwashing, bathing via an acid bath and combinations thereof for purposesof reuse of the treatment device 106 and assembly component parts. Also,the treatment device 106 and assembly component parts may comprise anycolor or combination of colors, or in the alternative, the treatmentdevice 106 may be wholly or partly transparent and translucent dependingon individual preferences and needs.

Suitable treatment device 106 and assembly component parts materials mayinclude, but are not necessarily limited to metals, polymeric materials,rubbers, glass, plexiglass, filled composite materials, woods, minerals,and combinations thereof. Suitable polymeric materials may include, butare not necessarily limited to thermoplastics, synthetic plastics,semi-synthetic organic plastics, and combinations thereof. Exemplaryplastics may include, but are not necessarily limited to nylon, vinylpolymers and polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), polyethylene, polyethyleneterephthalate (“PET”), polymethylpentene, polypropylene, polycarbonate,and combinations thereof. In one particular embodiment, the treatmentdevice 106 and assembly component parts may be constructed from one ormore polymeric materials and one or more pro-degradant additiveseffective to provide a degradable treatment device 106 and assemblycomponent parts. Suitable pro-degradant materials may include, but arenot necessarily limited to one or more transition metal salts. Withoutlimiting the invention to a particular mode, the treatment device 106and assembly component parts may be produced via one or more processesincluding, but not necessarily limited to assembly of various parts,injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, rotational molding,compression molding, three-dimensional printing, film and sheetextrusion, and pipe and cable extrusion as each is understood by askilled artisan.

A suitable waveguide 102 or radiant energy conduit is effective to guideor otherwise convey electromagnetic radiation there through at one ormore rates of attenuation as desired. For the purposes of thisapplication, suitable waveguides 102 may include, but are notnecessarily limited to liquid light guides, glass optical fibers,plastic optical fibers, photonic-crystal fibers (“PCF”), andcombinations thereof. Suitable liquid light guides may include anydesired liquid transmissive fluid encapsulated therein as desired. Forthe purposes of this application, liquid light guides are operationallyconfigured to convey radiant energy from about 200 nm to about 2000 nm.Suitable glass optical fibers may be constructed from materialsincluding, but not necessarily limited to silica glass, e.g.,germanosilicate or aluminosilicate glass, fluoride glass, e.g.,fluorozirconate and fluoroaluminate, chalcogenide glass, phosphateglasses, crystalline materials such as sapphire, and combinationsthereof. Suitable plastic optical fibers may be constructed frommaterials including, but not necessarily limited to poly(methylmethacrylate) (“PMMA”). For conveying radiant energy to a subsurface orsubcutaneous location of an animal, a suitable waveguide 102 has anattenuation coefficient of about 0.5 dB/m or lower. Without limiting theinvention to a particular mode of operation, one suitable waveguide 102includes a fused silica UV grade fiber commercially available fromMolex, Inc., which may be located on the internet at the followingaddress: www.molex.com.

Without limiting the invention, optical fibers may further be describedaccording to the following:

-   -   Fiber couplers may be employed to couple radiant energy between        two fibers, typically with the coupling coefficient depending on        the optical wavelength;    -   As understood by the skilled artisan Fiber Bragg gratings may be        employed to provide various wavelength-dependent reflection and        transmission properties—such may be used as optical filters or        for introducing chromatic dispersion into a system;    -   Fiber polarizers may be employed for guiding only        electromagnetic radiation with a certain polarization direction;    -   Fiber amplifiers may be employed for amplifying electromagnetic        radiation in certain wavelength regions;    -   Various types of optical modulators such as electroabsorption        modulators and electro-optic modulators may be employed;    -   Faraday isolators, optical isolators, or optical diodes, may be        employed including the use of collimation optics;    -   Fiber-optic switches as understood by the skilled artisan may be        employed;    -   Mechanical splices may be employed as desired;    -   Double-clad fibers may be employed as desired; and    -   Polarization-maintaining fibers and photonic crystal fibers may        be employed as desired.

As desired, one or more connections may be employed to assist in theconveyance of electromagnetic radiation from the electromagneticradiation source 100 to the waveguide 102 and to the treatment device106 or assemblies 200, 300, 400. Suitable connections may beoperationally configured to engage each of the electromagnetic radiationsource 100, waveguide 102 and treatment device 106 in a manner effectiveto maintain substantially all of the electromagnetic radiation withinthe system components free of leakage thereof during operation. Theconnections may include optical fiber connectors, optical fibercouplers, luer fittings or adapters, ferrule connectors, compressionfittings, and combinations thereof. As one simplified example, theconduit 134 in FIG. 14A may include a luer-lock connector 137 and cap138 for receiving a fluid conduit 107 in fluid communication thereto.Suitable optical fiber connectors include, but are not necessarilylimited to FC connectors, E2000 connectors, LuxCis connectors, SMA 905connectors, ST connectors, and TOSLINK connectors as each are understoodby the skilled artisan. Suitable connections may be constructed frommetals, polymeric materials, rubbers, glass, plexiglass, filledcomposite materials, and combinations thereof. Metal connectionmaterials may include, but are not necessarily limited to stainlesssteel, brass, nickel-plated brass, aluminum, copper, and combinationsthereof. Plastic connection materials may include nylon, vinyl polymersand polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate(“PET”), polymethylpentene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, andcombinations thereof.

The electromagnetic radiation source 100, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, mayderive radiant energy from one or more sources as desired. Suitablesources of radiant energy may include, but are not necessarily limitedto (1) one or more incandescent lamps or bulbs (which can have one ormore rotating filters around each bulb), (2) one or more semiconductorlight sources (including but not necessarily limited to light-emittingdiodes “LED”), (3) one or more diode laser lights, (4) one or morequartz-halogen lights, (5) one or more gas-discharge lamps, andcombinations thereof. A suitable electromagnetic radiation source 100 isoperationally configured to produce electromagnetic radiation across theentire electromagnetic spectrum. Without limiting the invention to aparticular embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation source 100 may beself-powered, e.g., battery power, or powered by an external source,e.g., a wall outlet and the like.

Without limiting the application to a particular embodiment, theelectromagnetic radiation source 100 of the present application mayinclude an electromagnetic radiation source 100 as described in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/686,767 filed on Mar. 15, 2007 or U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/783,387 filed on Mar. 3, 2013, which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. A suitableelectromagnetic radiation source 100 may include one or more of thefollowing components:

(1) UV LEDS: The main LED may include a high power 365 nm version ascommercially available from Nichia Corporation. To fill in lowerwavelength UV energy UVTOP LEDs may be used in wavelengths from about295 nm to about 310 nm. Such LEDs are commercially available from SensorElectronic Technology, Inc. Suitably, light is coupled from each ofthese LED sources directly into a 600 um fiber or the like. This is donevia a process using a ball-lensed fiber that uses a precision 3-axisstage to optimize the coupling. Each LED and fiber assembly is connectedinto an SMA 905 fiber optic connector (as understood by the skilledartisan) so that individual LEDs can be serviced as necessary;

(2) UV Fiber Optics: One suitable fiber may include a 600 um core size.The fibers are terminated in a “Y” fashion. Such design allows close toabout 50.0% of the fiber coupled from each fiber to be coupled into thenext fiber. Such configuration results in about 25.0% of the opticalpower from each LED making it to the beam splitter as such is understoodby the skilled artisan. Mechanical and optical data for suitable fibers,including Polymicro optical fibers, is commercially provided by MolexIncorporated;

(3) Fused Silica UV Lenses (inside a collimator): The light emitted fromthe fiber is collimated for transmission through the beam-splitter.There is a reciprocating collimator on the output side of thebeam-splitter used to focus the light back into the output fiber.Information on the UV grade fused silica and plano convex lenses thatmay be employed herein is commercially available from Edmund Optics,Inc.;

(4) UV Short Pass Filter: A dichroic filter may be used to combine thevisible LED and UV-LEDs. Suitably, the wavelengths that are nottransmitted are reflected;

(5) Visible LED and LED optic: As understood by the skilled artisan aCREE Cool White LED may be used as is commercially available from Cree,Inc. Another bright single die LED may be used as desired. Suitably, anacrylic injection molded lens is used to collimate the light from theLED, this reflects from the beam-splitter and is focused into the outputfiber; and

(6) Feedback Photodiode: A feedback photodiode may be used to measurethe output of the UV-LEDs and calibrate the power output prior to everyusage or treatment using the radiation source. As understood by theskilled artisan, the photodiode receives a small reflection from thebeam splitter.

FIG. 33 illustrates a first non-limiting “all in one” type self-poweredtreatment device 500 operationally configured to produce and conveyelectromagnetic radiation and fluid to one or more target sites. In thissimplified illustration, the treatment device 500 includes a powersource 510, an electromagnetic radiation source 520, one or more opticalinterfaces 530 for transforming electromagnetic radiation entering thewaveguide 540, a fluid inlet 550 and at least a second optical interface560 used alone or with another window type member similar to theembodiments described above, e.g., effective for sealing off fluid flowtoward the one or more optical interfaces 530. In one embodiment, theelectromagnetic radiation source 520 may include a single radiant energysource, an LED array, or array of other radiant energy sources asdesired. In suitable operation, the treatment device 500 isoperationally configured to convey electromagnetic radiation and/or oneor more fluids or fluid solutions out through the distal end of thehollow member or hollow puncture forming member 150 that is in radiantand fluid communication thereto. In another embodiment, other opticconfigurations including those described above may be employed into thepresent treatment device 500. In another embodiment it is alsocontemplated that the treatment device 500 be powered via a power cordsimilar to other electronic appliance type devices and the like. Inanother embodiment, the treatment device 500 may include a fluid storagecompartment in fluid communication with the hollow member 150. Thetreatment device 500 may be operationally configured to make use ofdisposable type hollow members or hollow puncture forming members 150 asdescribed herein.

Turning now to the simplified illustration of a treatment device 106 inFIG. 34, it is further contemplated that one or more outer surfaces ofthe treatment device 106 may include a mating type surface forcontacting the treatment device 106 with one or more target surfaces.Such surfaces may include one or more shapes or surface configurationsas desired. For example, a treatment device 106 may include a curvedsurface operationally configured to be set atop a curved target surface.Such surfaces may also include one or more raised surface portionsraised above adjacent areas for providing a slip-resistant surface. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 34, the treatment device 106 is shown as having asubstantially planar mating surface. As further illustrated in FIG. 34,the mating surface may include one or more adhesives providing anadhesive type surface 180 covered by a peelable layer 182. In anembodiment where the treatment device 106 of FIG. 34 is configured forhuman treatment as shown in FIG. 1, it is contemplated that the adhesivetype surface 180 may be placed onto the skin of a person's arm wherebythe adhesive material is operationally configured to maintain thetreatment device 106 in a substantially fixed position on the arm.Suitable adhesive type surfaces may include one or more tacky substancesas understood by the skilled artisan. In one particular embodiment,removal of the treatment device 106 from a subject's skin should notcause injury, pain or discomfort to the individual. Similar to otherembodiments of the treatment device 106 and treatment assemblies, thetreatment device of FIG. 34 may include two or more inlets or ports asdesired for receiving electromagnetic radiation from waveguides 102communicating with each such inlet or port. Likewise the treatmentdevice 106 of FIG. 34 may be reusable, replacing only the hollow memberor hollow puncture forming member 150 following each use of thetreatment device 106.

It is further contemplated that the treatment devices and assemblies ofthis application may include one or more sensor type devicesoperationally configured to detect the spatial relationship between thesensor and a target surface of a subject. Such sensors provide a safetyfeature preventing operation of the treatment devices and/or treatmentassemblies as desired. Suitable sensors include, but are not necessarilylimited to projected field sensors, proximity sensors, projectedcapacitive sensors, and combinations thereof. Other suitable sensors maybe described as being operationally configured to detect a targetsurface of a subject through a non-electrically conductive medium.

It is further contemplated that treatment devices and assemblies of thisapplication may include one or more filter type members for filteringout solids, pathogens, and combinations thereof prior to the fluids andfluid solutions flowing to a common area of the devices and assemblies(for example see cavity 427). For example, in an emergency situation adevice, assembly or system of this application including one or morefilter type members may be used in a remote area making use ofcontaminated water as the fluid source. One suitable filter type membermay be operationally configured to remove chlorine, heavy metalsincluding aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, iodine,endrin, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, lindane, heptachlor,polychlorinated biphenyls, atrazine, simazine, nitrite,bromodichloromethane, bromoform, benzene, dibromochloromethae, carbontetrachloride, ethyl benzene, methyl tert butyl ether, trichloroethane,toluene, xylene, giardia, crytoporidium, E. Coli, E. Faecalis, andcombinations thereof. In addition to the above, a suitable filter typemember may also be operationally configured to provide 99.9999 percentreduction of bacteria, cysts and viruses.

In one embodiment, the application may be directed to a method oftargeting an animal blood vessel with electromagnetic radiation andfluid including (1) providing an assembly including (A) a device havinga first inlet for connecting to a source of electromagnetic radiation, asecond inlet for connecting to a source of fluid and an outlet foremitting electromagnetic radiation and fluid received from theelectromagnetic radiation and fluid sources, the device beingoperationally configured to transform the electromagnetic radiationreceived therein and isolate the fluid received therein from theelectromagnetic radiation source and (B) a hollow member attached to theoutlet of the device, the hollow member having an open puncture formingdistal end; (2) connecting the device to an electromagnetic radiationsource and a fluid source; (3) directing the distal end of the hollowpuncture forming member into a blood vessel; and (4) conveyingtransformed electromagnetic radiation and fluid out through the distalend of the hollow member into the blood vessel. In another embodiment,the application may be directed to a device for targeting one or moresites with electromagnetic radiation, the device having a housingoperationally configured to convey electromagnetic radiation and fluidthere through, the housing having a first inlet for receivingelectromagnetic radiation from one or more sources, a second inlet forreceiving fluid from one or more sources and an outlet for emittingelectromagnetic radiation and fluid received through the first andsecond inlets; the housing being operationally configured to fluidlyseal the first inlet from the second inlet and transform electromagneticradiation received through the first inlet.

It is believed that the devices, assemblies, systems and methods of thepresent application and advantages will be understood by the foregoingdescription. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatmany modifications may be made to the present application withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the devices, assemblies, systemsand methods. The embodiment(s) described herein are meant to beillustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the invention,which is defined in the claims.

I claim:
 1. A device for targeting one or more sites withelectromagnetic radiation including: a first member having an innersurface operationally configured to receive electromagnetic radiationtherein from one or more sources of electromagnetic radiation; a secondmember having an inner surface operationally configured to receive fluidtherein, the inner surface of the first member being fluidly sealed fromthe inner surface of the second member; and a waveguide having a firstend in radiant communication with the first member and a second endoperationally configured to emit electromagnetic radiation out therefrom.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the first member has a firstopening defined by a longitudinal axis and the second member has asecond opening axially aligned with the first opening, wherein at leastpart of the waveguide is located within the second opening.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the first member is operationally configuredto receive a radiant conduit in attachment thereto.
 4. The device ofclaim 3, wherein the first end of the waveguide is set apart from aradiant conduit attached to the first member.
 5. The device of claim 1,wherein the waveguide is a hollow member with a reflective innersurface.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the waveguide is a hollowmember having an inner surface comprised of one or more non-absorbentmaterials.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the waveguide ranges inouter diameter from 0.1842 mm to 4.572 mm.
 8. The device of claim 1,wherein the waveguide has an outer diameter of 1.473 mm or less.
 9. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the waveguide is a hollow puncture formingmember ranging in outer diameter from 0.1842 mm to 4.572 mm.
 10. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the second member includes a puncture formingsurface.
 11. The device of claim 2 further including transformationoptics between the first opening and the second opening.
 12. The deviceof claim 1 wherein the distance between the first end of the waveguideand the transformation optics is determined according to the focallength of the transformation optics.
 13. The device of claim 1 furtherincluding one or more anti-counterfeiting technologies.
 14. The deviceof claim 1 wherein the waveguide is removable.
 15. A method oftransmitting varying wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation to one ormore target subjects for cumulative effects, including: providing asystem including (1) a programmable radiant energy source operationallyconfigured to produce electromagnetic radiation across the entireelectromagnetic spectrum, (2) one or more radiant conduits in radiantcommunication with the source of electromagnetic radiation, (3) one ormore fluid sources and (4) a device in radiant communication with thesource of electromagnetic radiation via the one or more radiant conduitsand in fluid communication with the one or more fluid sources, thedevice being operationally configured to transform the electromagneticradiation received therein and isolate the fluid received therein fromthe one or more radiant conduits, the device being operationallyconfigured to emit electromagnetic radiation and fluid out there from;conveying a first selection of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiationfrom the radiant energy source to a target site of a first targetsubject at a selected power level for a first duration of time; andconveying a different selection of wavelengths of electromagneticradiation from the radiant energy source to the first target site of thetarget subject at a selected power level for at least a second durationof time.
 16. The method of claim 15 including conveying a firstselection of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation from the radiantenergy source to a target site of a second target subject, wherein thefirst selection of wavelengths may be determined according to theelectromagnetic spectrum of the second target subject.
 17. The method ofclaim 15 further including programming the radiant energy source tocalibrate the power output of the radiant energy source prior to use.18. A method of targeting one or more blood contaminants of an animalwith electromagnetic radiation, including: providing (1) a programmableradiant energy source operationally configured to produceelectromagnetic radiation across the entire electromagnetic spectrum,(2) one or more fluid sources and (3) a device in radiant communicationwith the radiant energy source and in fluid communication with the oneor more fluid sources, the device including a waveguide with a distalend operationally configured to emit electromagnetic radiation and fluidout there from; inserting the distal end of the waveguide to a firstsubcutaneous site of an animal; and conveying fluid from the one or morefluid sources and electromagnetic radiation from the radiant energysource to the first subcutaneous site, wherein one or more of theintensity of the electromagnetic radiation, the wavelength of thespectral energy used and the duration of exposure of the one or moreblood contaminants to electromagnetic radiation may be determinedaccording to interaction characteristics of the one or more bloodcontaminants.
 19. The method of claim 17 wherein the one or more fluidsources include one or more therapeutic agents.
 20. An injectablecollimator for conveying electromagnetic radiation to a subcutaneoussite of an animal including (a) a housing having (1) a first inlet forreceiving electromagnetic radiation therein; (2) a second inlet forreceiving fluid therein; and (3) an outlet for emitting electromagneticradiation and fluid out of the housing; and (b) a hollow punctureforming member in radiant communication and fluid communication with theoutlet, the housing being operationally configured to fluidly seal thefirst inlet from the second inlet and collimate electromagneticradiation received through the first inlet.